Liverpool maintained their pursuit for a top four finish in the Premier League following their 3-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power on Monday evening.
Trent Alexander-Arnold capped off another impressive performance in his new hybrid role as a right-back and midfielder with a spectacular goal as Liverpool drew within one point of the top four.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad still requires a collapse from Newcastle or Manchester United, but the Reds’ seven-game winning streak has increased the pressure on their rivals, who each have three games remaining to Liverpool’s two.
“It’s all we can do,” said Klopp. “It would be a real shame if they slip and we’re not there. So we have to do our job.
“I think we have qualified for European football which six weeks ago wasn’t in sight.”
Seven years after shocking the world by winning the championship, Leicester’s Premier League days appear to be numbered, as they are two points from safety with two games remaining.
If Everton or Leeds win on the weekend, their fate will be sealed if they travel to Newcastle the following Monday.
“It’s pretty simple, we need to win our next game,” said Leicester interim boss Dean Smith. “It will be tough at St James’ Park. It would be nice to take the lead for once.”
The Foxes’ defensive frailties were once again exposed when Jones scored twice in three minutes just after the half-hour mark to erase the hosts’ bright start.
Alisson Becker allowed Luis Diaz to race onto a long forward pass before allowing Mohamed Salah to cross for the unmarked Jones to score at the far post.
Moments later, Jones produced a magnificent touch to control the ball and score past Daniel Iversen’s helpless efforts.
“I thought the second goal looked like we had frazzled minds from the kick-off,” added Smith.
“We have to have clearer minds and think clear under pressure.”
Cody Gakpo missed a glorious opportunity to make it 3-0 when he shot straight at Iversen, eliciting jeers from the home crowd.
Although scoring goals has not been a problem for Leicester this season, they appeared clumsy in attack as Smith’s team lost confidence.
The turnaround in form for Liverpool after a difficult season has coincided with Alexander-Arnold’s new role as a deep-lying playmaker in possession.
After Salah flicked a free-kick into the path of the England international with 19 minutes remaining, the England international scored a sublime goal into the top corner.
The Egyptian should have scored a goal to complement his three assists.
Gakpo sent Mohamed Salah clean through on goal, but he shot wide with only Iversen to beat, to the surprise of most inside the stadium.
With Liverpool trailing Newcastle by four goals in terms of goal difference, this missed opportunity may yet prove crucial.
However, the visitors accomplished their primary objective by securing another three points, ensuring that they will play at least in the Europa League next season.
