SALAH TOPS THE TON

Liverpool shrug off sluggish start to increase their lead at head of the table as Mo grabs his 100th Anfield goal

- DAVID ANDERSON

THIS was not a statement like Liverpool's romp against Leicester on Boxing Day 2019 on their way to the title but it's still priceless.

Whereas Liverpool turned on the style at the King Power Stadium five years ago to roast Leicester 4-0, this was a victory down to their grit and determination.

Arne Slot's side showed all their resilience as they dug out a win on a foggy night when everything seemed against them. Liverpool knew they were handed a glorious chance by Chelsea's defeat against Fulham and they seized it to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

They also have a game in hand on the Blues and Slot's men power on in their quest to win what would be a record-equalling 20th title.

It might have been so different and Leicester sensed an upset when they scored an early opener partly through some sloppy defending by Liverpool and soaked up everything the Reds could throw at them.