Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Image Credits: Getty Images

Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk took a decisive step toward securing the club’s 20th English top-flight title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, a result that simultaneously condemned their hosts to Championship football next season.

Substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold emerged as the match-winner, scoring his first left-footed professional goal in the 76th minute to break Leicester’s resilient resistance.

The victory leaves Arne Slot’s side needing just three points from their remaining five matches to clinch the championship, while Leicester’s ninth consecutive home defeat without scoring sealed their relegation.

The fixture carried monumental consequences for both clubs, with Liverpool aiming to inch closer to their first league title under Slot and Leicester fighting to preserve their Premier League status.

The visitors dominated possession (68%) and attempts on goal (28 shots to Leicester’s 6), but struggled to convert their superiority into goals until Alexander-Arnold’s late intervention.

Leicester’s defensive organisation and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen’s eight saves kept the scoreline respectable.

Liverpool can secure the title with a win against Tottenham at Anfield on April 27, regardless of Arsenal’s result against Crystal Palace.

Should Arsenal lose to Palace on Wednesday, Liverpool would be crowned champions without kicking another ball.

The Reds’ remaining fixtures (Tottenham H, Aston Villa A, Brighton H) are favourable opportunities to clinch the title in front of the supporters.

And Virgil van Dijk is relishing the opportunity to lift the famous trophy in front of the Liverpool faithful – something he couldn’t do back in 202.

Speaking to Opta Sports after the game, the Dutchman was quizzed on the prospect of lifting the Premier League title in front of 58,000 people at Anfield – as opposed to the COVID celebrations in 2020:

“I can’t deny it, I would be lying to you if it didn’t cross my mind.

I encourage Liverpool fans to be there, support us , and it will be worth it in the end.”

“We worked so hard to be there, throughout the whole season, we have been consistent in the league, especially.”

“Now we have a big opportunity because it’s an opportunity and nothing else to finish it off.”

“I’m really looking forward to [next Sunday], but we still have a job on our hands.”

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Spurs, visit our sister site Spurs Latest Live.