Liverpool showcased their prowess with a convincing 4-0 victory over Leicester City during a pre-season match at Singapore’s National Stadium on a sunny Sunday.
The Reds put on an impressive first-half performance, effectively sealing their triumph with three rapid-fire goals. Darwin Nunez (30), Bobby Clark (35), and Diogo Jota (38) were the architects of Leicester’s early downfall.
In the second half, Ben Doak extended Liverpool’s lead, leaving no doubt about their superiority and clinching the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy once again, a prize they had previously won the previous summer.
The game began with Liverpool sporting their new 2023-24 away kit, and the majority of Reds fans in the stadium were elated. Leicester City attempted to dampen their spirits, with Marc Albrighton trying to find the net with a well-executed cross-shot that narrowly missed the far post.
Leicester had a promising opportunity when Kasey McAteer delivered a precise diagonal pass to Wilfred Ndidi in the box, but Caoimhin Kelleher’s quick reflexes thwarted the midfielder’s finish.
Despite Nunez’s efforts, an offside flag disallowed his goal. Additionally, Ibrahima Konate prevented McAteer from finding the target, denying Leicester’s chance to score.
Liverpool’s attacking display intensified, and Mohamed Salah tested the opposition goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, with a low curler. Moments later, Jota capitalized on a pass from Alexis Mac Allister, penetrating the Leicester area and forcing a save from Hermansen, only for Nunez to capitalize on the rebound and score the opener.
The Reds doubled their lead in quick succession, with Salah contributing a superb assist to Clark, who clinically slotted the ball past the keeper. Shortly after, Salah played another crucial role, delivering a cross that Jota skillfully directed into the net with his head.
Klopp made ten changes at half-time, allowing several players, including Dominik Szoboszlai, to showcase their abilities. Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo tried their luck, but Leicester’s defense thwarted their attempts.
Liverpool remained on the offensive, eager to secure a fourth goal. Luis Diaz made a valiant effort, but his shot was blocked, and Szoboszlai nearly scored with an audacious lob that Hermansen managed to head away.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s persistence paid off as a corner from the left flank was flicked on by Joel Matip and neatly converted by Doak from close range, extending the lead to 4-0.
Leicester attempted a late comeback, but Jarell Quansah’s impeccable tackle denied Patson Daka, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall narrowly missed the target.
With a convincing victory in their first match of the Singapore tour, Liverpool now eagerly anticipate a meeting with Bayern Munich at the same venue on Wednesday.
First half lineup: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Jones, Clark, Mac Allister, Jota, Salah, Nunez. Second half lineup: Kelleher (Alisson, 60), Gomez, Matip, Quansah (Frauendorf, 86), Tsimikas, McConnell, Elliott, Szoboszlai (Scanlon, 80), Doak, Diaz, Gakpo.
