Manager Jürgen Klopp and Germany international Emre Can suffered a setback in the race for a top-four place in the Premier League. The Reds were beaten 2-0 by league-leaders Leicester following a great performance from the EPL’s top scorer Jamie Vardy. The England striker scored his 17th and 18th goals of the season as he single-handedly won the game for his side.
Meanwhile in other news, Arsenal have fallen behind the leading pack. World Cup winner Mesut Özil came into the starting eleven for the Gunners, who could not overcome Southampton. The game ended 0-0, making it four matches without a win for the Gunners, meaning the gap between them and Leicester City has now grown to five points. Per Mertesacker spent 90 minutes on the bench.
High-flyers Leicester lead the table after 24 games with 50 points, ahead of Manchester City in second (47), who beat relegation-threatened Sunderland 1-0. London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are tied on points and sit in third and fourth respectively. Liverpool (34) are eighth and already six points off the European places. Manchester United (40), who were without the injured Bastian Schweinsteiger in their 3-0 win over Stoke City sit fifth.
Leicester City, who have former Germany international Robert Huth on their books, had the better chances in the first half against Liverpool, but former Mainz player Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez failed to beat Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. However, the Belgium international could do nothing about Vardy’s spectacular volley from over 25 yards. Twelve minutes later, the Premier League’s leading goalscorer grabbed his second of the day to wrap up victory.
Rüdiger and Roma win again
AS Roma, runners-up in the Italian Serie A last year, are slowly getting back to winning ways under new manager Luciano Spalleti. With Germany player Antonio Rüdiger in their ranks, they started matchday 23 with a 2-0 win over Sassuolo Calcio.
Egypt international Mohamed Salah and new recruit Stephan El Shaarawy made sure that the capital club recorded their second victory in a row. Although, Roma did have some luck as well. In the 87th minute, Belgium player Radja Nainggolan gave away a penalty and was sent off for a second bookable offence. Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi stepped up, but could only hit his spot kick at the crossbar.
Roma now sit fifth in the table with 41 points. Surprise package Sassuolo lie seventh with 33.