Gakpo target becomes clear
As yet another opportunity was spurned to make the game safe for Liverpool, the temptation to turn towards the Main Stand was obvious.
There, sat watching his new team for the first time, was new signing Cody Gakpo after arriving from PSV Eindhoven for an initial £37million.
The Reds moved to snap up the Holland international attacker ahead of schedule given the long-term absences of both Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota on the left flank.
READ MORE: Kelly Cates questions Gary Neville over controversial transfer claim on Cody Gakpo
READ MORE: Brentford rocked by potential big injury blow ahead of Liverpool game
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain once again let nobody down on his second start of the week in the position with another forceful performance, his flick sending Darwin Nunez away to prompt the winning goal.
But while Oxlade-Chamberlain has done enough to earn further opportunities, Liverpool sorely need more attacking threat down the left, Roberto Firmino’s untimely injury – which has prevented Nunez shifting wide – exposing the fact.
Jurgen Klopp will hope Gakpo can at least alleviate the pressure on Salah and Nunez to score. Both again had their chances against Leicester, but a mixture of bad fortune, slightly wayward finishing and good goalkeeping combined to thwart their efforts.
In the second half in particular, the duo caused havoc and there continue to be signs of an understanding, not least when Nunez released Salah for a gilt-edged opening with a superb throughball.
Of the last 24 goals scored by Liverpool players, 17 have been netted by either Salah or Nunez. Gakpo will be given time to adjust to the step up from the Eredivisie, but chipping in on the scoresheet as soon as possible could make a significant difference.
Thiago steps up
Eyebrows were raised among Liverpool’s fanbase when Thiago Alcantara was left out of the Spain squad for the World Cup, the debate further intensified by his national team’s meek surrender in the competition.
The Reds, though, have certainly been feeling the benefit of his rest with Thiago having been one of the stellar performers since the restart.
With Fabinho a late withdrawal, the Spaniard assumed extra responsibility here and was the catalyst for Liverpool finally rousing themselves after their alarming slump during the opening exchanges.
Indeed, if it were not for an outstanding chase and sliding tackle from Thiago after a poor crossfield pass from Jordan Henderson sent Leicester clear, the game may easily have been lost before the comeback had even began.
If he ran out of legs a little at Villa Park on Monday, there were no such concerns this time, the midfielder by some distance Liverpool’s best performer, marrying his trademark passing with tenacity and at times impressive physicality.
By contrast, Henderson had a stinker in the first half, one of too many Reds players to flail as Leicester cut through the home midfield with far too much ease, Harvey Elliott tidy if not hugely effective. Both will have better days.
But Naby Keita made an impact with his energy and pressing from the bench in the final quarter. He’s knocking heavily on the door to start at Brentford on Monday.
Ugly game, beautiful points
It was an emotionally-charged Anfield before kick-off as tribute was paid following the recent passing of two prominent figures.
Football fans of a certain vintage know all about David Johnson, who had two spells at Everton but enjoyed his greatest success at Liverpool where he won a clutch of honours.
And the life of Pele, the greatest player in the history of the game, was also celebrated during a period of loud applause.
Jordan Henderson and Alisson Becker brought on bouquets of flowers commemorating the pair, which were then placed behind the Kop goal where they remained for the duration of the game.
The quality of the football that followed may not have quite been of the standard Johnson and Pele had become accustomed during their trophy-laden playing careers, less beautiful game and more at times downright ugly.
But, for Liverpool, it didn’t matter. Those three points will look very attractive to Klopp and his players this morning.
READ NEXT:
Liverpool player ratings as Thiago good but three stars bad against Leicester City
Wout Faes made a big Liverpool admission three years before own goals nightmare
Rate the Liverpool players in the 2-1 win over Leicester City
Cody Gakpo at Anfield to watch Liverpool as injured star spotted on crutches
Liverpool's next six Premier League games compared to Arsenal, City and United
