Both teams came into Saturday’s clash with four points from their first three games of the season, and it was Liverpool who took a backseat in possession during the early exchanges. A midfielder by trade, Lucas was forced into the lineup after an eye injury pushed Dejan Lovren out of the match.
Advertisement
Jurgen Klopp’s charges doubled their advantage after 30 minutes, as Sadio Mane combined with Daniel Sturridge, before firing home from six-yards out.
Despite retaining much of last season’s title-winning squad, Leicester are still scraping to rediscover some of their form from 2015-16, and preparations now turn to their UEFA Champions League debut against Club Brugge on Wednesday.
Roberto Firmino scored the first of his pair with a smart finish following a long pass from James Milner.
And Firmino made certain of victory when he steered into the net after Mane had beaten Schmeichel to a ball forward and squared for his fellow forward to slide in ensure life at the new-look Anfield began in the best possible fashion.
The Brazilian panicked under pressure from Shinji Okazaki and his pass towards Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet went straight to Vardy, who gleefully accepted the open goal. Those two can definitely score goals against this Liverpool defense that sometimes to struggles against quick forwards.
However, Adam Lallana rocketed home Liverpool’s third and Firmino got a second late on.
– Liverpool have won more games against reigning Premier League champions than any other side has (20).
“Liverpool played well and deserved to win”.
Advertisement
Ranieri was unable to keep N’Golo Kante this summer but the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez all stayed put.
