Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his return from injury with a dramatic late goal that edged Liverpool within touching distance of the Premier League title—and simultaneously condemned Leicester City to relegation.
With 14 minutes remaining and Liverpool growing frustrated, the 26-year-old full-back—whose contract situation has fueled speculation of a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer—fired home a decisive left-footed finish during a chaotic scramble inside the Leicester box.
Moments earlier, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota had both been denied by the woodwork.
The goal sparked jubilant scenes at the King Power Stadium.
Alexander-Arnold tore off his shirt in celebration and sprinted to the away end, eventually draping his shirt over the corner flag in a moment that encapsulated both his passion and the significance of the strike.
Arne Slot's men can now all but taste the title.
Victory over Tottenham at Anfield next Sunday could seal the deal—though they could be crowned champions even earlier if Arsenal drop points at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Liverpool Dig Deep, Alexander-Arnold the Hero
Back in action for the first time since March due to an ankle injury, Alexander-Arnold delivered the kind of moment that titles are built on.
Despite recent contract uncertainty—unlike teammates Salah and Virgil van Dijk who have both recently committed to new deals—he showed nothing but full commitment to the cause.
The England international’s future may still be unresolved, but there was no doubt about his connection with the travelling Liverpool fans.
After the final whistle, his teammates pushed him back towards the away end to receive the acclaim once more, a scene that spoke volumes about his status within the squad.
The performance, while not dazzling, was typical of a champion-in-waiting: composed, patient, and ultimately effective against a dogged opponent.
Salah nearly gave Liverpool the perfect start when his shot struck both posts within the opening seconds, and although Wilfred Ndidi also hit the frame of the goal early for Leicester, Liverpool remained in control throughout.
Leicester’s Return to the Championship Confirmed
Leicester’s relegation was finally sealed, capping a disappointing return season to the top flight.
And it came with an unwanted record: their ninth consecutive home league match without a goal—the longest such streak in English top-flight history.
They haven’t scored at the King Power in the Premier League since 8 December against Brighton.
On a day when frustration boiled over, a plane flew above the stadium pre-kick-off, trailing a banner that read: "King Power Clueless – Sack The Board."
It summed up the mood of the fanbase, many of whom left long before the final whistle sounded on their club’s fate.
Despite a spirited display and an early scare for Liverpool when Ndidi’s effort clipped the post, Leicester lacked the cutting edge needed to stay in the division.
Their drop was less a shock and more a confirmation of what had felt inevitable for months.
Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, brought in to replace Steve Cooper in November, has failed to inspire a turnaround.
The Foxes have collected just eight points from 20 matches under the Dutchman, and his position will now come under intense scrutiny as the club prepares for another season in the Championship.
What’s Next?
Liverpool now stand on the verge of Premier League glory.
If results go their way midweek, they may not even need a win against Spurs to celebrate at Anfield.
As for Leicester, the post-mortem begins—on and off the pitch—after a season of poor performances, boardroom unrest, and missed opportunities.