Liverpool a point away from securing EPL title

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

The Premier League title is so close Liverpool can almost touch it.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s second-half strike in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Leicester yesterday pushed the Merseyside club to within one more win of a record-equalling 20th English league crown.

It would not even require that if second-placed Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. But regardless of any other result, Liverpool know victory against Tottenham at Anfield next Sunday will be enough to seal the title.

Arsenal had ensured Liverpool would have to wait a while longer for their crowning moment after routing Ipswich 4-0 earlier Sunday. And for long periods at the King Power Stadium, Leicester threatened to frustrate the league leaders — even having a Conor Coady goal disallowed before Alexander-Arnold’s winner.

Defeat confirmed 2016 league champions Leicester’s relegation.

Wolves sealed top-flight safety by beating Manchester United 1-0 after Pablo Sarabia’s brilliant second-half free kick.

Chelsea moved up to fifth by rallying to beat Fulham 2-1 with two late goals.

TITLE EDGES CLOSER

One more win. That’s all it will take for Liverpool to be crowned champion and move level with Manchester United’s record title haul.

And the joy on Alexander-Arnold’s face after crashing a left-footed shot past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in the 76th minute underlined the importance of the win.

While the title has looked destined for Anfield for much of the season, this was the latest occasion in recent weeks when the strains of the campaign have seemed to weigh on Liverpool.

Against a Leicester team that needed to win to hold off relegation, Liverpool struggled to find a breakthrough despite hitting the frame of the goal - including twice in the buildup to Alexander-Arnold’s strike.

Leicester also saw an effort from Wilfred Ndidi hit the post in the first half and Coady had a goal ruled out for a foul on Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

On came Alexander-Arnold, who is widely tipped to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, and he provided the decisive moment.

After a goalmouth scramble had seen Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota hit the woodwork, Alexander-Arnold’s shot went under the body of Hermansen. The goal sparked wild scenes as Alexander-Arnold ran to the corner to celebrate with the travelling supporters.

Liverpool’s last title in 2020 came when teams had to play behind closed doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To be so close to sealing for some of us a second league title, and for a lot of us a first league title, but especially in front of fans – which is what we’ve been missing – is very special,” Alexander-Arnold said.

ARSENAL ROUT

After eliminating holders Real Madrid from the Champions League in midweek, Arsenal cruised to victory against an Ipswich team that is now all but certain to be relegated.

Leandro Trossard’s low shot gave Mikel Arteta’s team the lead in the 14th and Gabriel Martinelli made it 2-0 before the break.

Trossard scored his ninth of the season in the second half and Ethan Nwaneri completed the rout late on.

Arsenal play Palace midweek, when they can at least delay Liverpool’s coronation until next weekend.

Ipswich’s fate is almost sealed. Sitting 18th in the standings, they can only pick up a maximum of 36 points by winning their remaining five games this season. That would still only put them level with 17th-placed West Ham’s current points tally.