Leicester City have been relegated from the Premier League for a record-equaling fifth time after a 1-0 home defeat to title-chasing Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his return from injury in stunning fashion, scoring a decisive volley at the King Power Stadium to move Liverpool within one win of clinching their 20th top-flight crown.
The England right-back, sidelined for five weeks, came off the bench to net the winner in the 76th minute, sparking emotional celebrations with the away fans. The goal added another memorable chapter to Alexander-Arnold’s story at Leicester, where he also scored during Liverpool’s 2019/20 title-winning campaign.
Leicester's defeat confirmed their relegation with five games to spare, sitting 19th on just 18 points mathematically unable to catch 17th-placed West Ham. It marks their fifth demotion from the Premier League after previous drops in 1994-95, 2001-02, 2003-04, and 2022-23. Only Norwich City (six) have suffered more relegations from the top flight.
While the Foxes battled hard, their historic home scoring drought continued. For the ninth consecutive home game, they failed to score a record in English top-flight history. In fact, it was the first time since February 2023 that they didn’t register a shot on target at the King Power.
Despite some close calls Mohamed Salah striking both posts within three minutes and Wilfred Ndidi hitting the bar Leicester’s misfortune continued. They believed they had scored in the 67th minute through Conor Coady, but his effort was ruled out due to a foul on Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson by Patson Daka.
Liverpool, meanwhile, extended their Premier League winning run to five matches. They dominated proceedings, with Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Kostas Tsimikas all denied by Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen. Salah also hit the woodwork again before Alexander-Arnold’s breakthrough.
The Reds are now just one win away from securing their second Premier League title in 35 years and could be crowned champions as early as Wednesday if Arsenal loses to Crystal Palace. If not, Liverpool can seal the deal next Sunday at Anfield against Tottenham.
Salah remains pivotal to Liverpool’s campaign, contributing to 45 Premier League goals this season (27 goals, 18 assists). He’s now close to breaking records for most goals and assists away from home in a single season and has scored in all five games against promoted sides.
Despite Virgil van Dijk and Salah committing to new deals, Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain. After his match-winning display, he told Sky Sports he wouldn’t discuss his contract situation but expressed how special moments like these are to him.
For Leicester, relegation concludes a dismal campaign defined by poor home form and attacking struggles. For Liverpool, the finish line is in sight as Arne Slot's men look to cap off a dominant season with a long-awaited trophy this time, with fans present to witness the glory.
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