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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

James Maddison embarrassed by Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp fumes at referee

Liverpool are refusing to throw in the towel in their pursuit of Manchester City after an impressive win over Leicester City.

Diogo Jota took his tally for the season to 17 goals with both strikes as the Reds earned a 2-0 Premier League win at Anfield on Thursday.

The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side have again closed the gap on the leaders to nine points with a game in hand.

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But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Anfield.

Maddison left red-faced

James Maddison, by his own admission, loves playing at Anfield. Even if the home crowd aren't always quite so welcoming.

Indeed, there was a bit of ire in the Leicester midfielder's direction after he initially attempted to place the ball for a corner kick so far out the quadrant it was nearer the penalty area. Probably.

But Maddison would no doubt have wanted to be just about anywhere else when he was left looking rather silly by a cute turn from Thiago Alcantara.

The Liverpool man had long gone before his befuddled opponent realised exactly what had just happened.

Klopp not impressed

Fair to say referee Chris Kavanagh didn't win too many friends among the home crowd on Thursday - and that's before we even begin to discuss the potential penalty for Mohamed Salah.

However, one incident in the second half really caused an outpouring of angst when a soft free-kick was awarded to Leicester.

Jurgen Klopp in particular was irate, leading to a frank exchange of words with Kavanagh, who at one point put his hand on Klopp to guide him back towards his technical area.

"Don't touch me!" appeared to be the message from the Reds boss. Regardless, the official was quick to remove his hand.

Matip amuses Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip were in impressive form at centre-back for Liverpool once again.

But the duo weren't always on completely the same page.

Shortly after half-time, Van Dijk offered himself for a throw-in taken by Matip and shouted firmly at his colleague to give him the ball, only to be completed ignored and possession instead going to Alisson Becker.

Van Dijk just burst out laughing. Never change, Joel.

Leicester fans learning

Mere months ago, few would have envisaged a burning rivalry between Leicester and Liverpool fans.

But the behaviour and chants of a section of the Foxes support - both at Anfield and the King Power Stadium in December - has prompted growing animosity between the two groups.

Thankfully, it appeared the good nature of most Leicester fans has won out as the demeaning songs were conspicuous by their absence on Thursday.

It was arguably the other big victory of the evening.

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