Liverpool vs Leicester: Five things we learned from the hosts' 2-1 victory over Claude Puel's Foxes

Mohamed Salah struck a brace to clinch all three points for the hosts

Salah drew his side level with a close-range strike (Getty)

Rotation key for Klopp

It was around this time last year that Liverpool’s title campaign unravelled, with numerous injuries hindering the side’s form and results. As such, Jurgen Klopp has made a conscious effort this season to minimise the risks to his players by introducing a regular programme of rotation. Having been rested for the rout of Swansea, Sadio Mane therefore returned for today’s clash, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain making way for the Senegalese.

Loris Karius was similarly brought in to the starting XI, with Simon Mignolet dropping to the bench. Prior to kick-off, Klopp explained that rotation, and the desire to keep his men fit, was the sole reason for this switch-up. It’s certainly paid dividends in recent weeks, with Liverpool's so-called 'fab four' all in rude health at the moment - as notably showcased by the glorious interlinking play between Mane and Mohamed Salah that saw the hosts drew level.

Liverpool's just deserts

They were certainly made to work for it, but there's no doubt that Liverpool ended today's clash as deserved winners. Not that victory was necessarily assured. Indeed, it was the visitors who pulled ahead through Jamie Vardy's early strike and, as the half-way mark of the game came and went, it seemed as if the Foxes might just be capable of holding on. Prior to Salah's equaliser in the 52-minute equaliser, Leicester had resolutely clung on, with the hosts spurning chance after chance.

But there was a sense of inevitability to Salah's first goal before the winner was struck 24 minutes later. That Liverpool failed to convert so many of their opportunities in front of goal will be of some concern to Klopp but, with three more points in the bag, this was another step forward in the right direction.

Salah in league of his own?

With 23 goals to his name this season, there's no doubting Salah's supreme talent. Today's brace means that the Egyptian has been directly involved in 17 goals in his last 13 league games for Liverpool - a remarkable rate that showcases just how important he is to Klopp's side. But today's first strike, coming seven minutes after the restart, was another reminder that the winger has the means to become one of Europe's best.

Mohamed Salah celebrates with teammates after hitting home the equaliser (Getty)

After a neat flick-through by Mane, Salah skipped his way past Christian Fuchs, as was the case all game long, before being confronted by Daniel Amartey. The opportunity to shoot looked to have past but, holding his nerve, he wriggled free, shifted it further left and then let loose with a low-driven strike to find the back of the net. Such composure and confidence under tight circumstances like this is a quality reserved for the game's elite. If he continues at his current rate, Salah will soon be in a league of his own.

Van Dijk’s arrival couldn’t come sooner

2.08 minutes. That’s how long it took to be served another reminder of just how much Liverpool need Virgil van Dijk in their starting XI as Leicester pulled ahead following yet another farcical defensive mistake from the hosts. Joel Matip’s pass to Emre Can was severely undercooked, allowing Vicente Iborra to pounce before playing in Riyad Mahrez. From there, the ball was squared to Jamie Vardy who did the rest from six yards out.

Given his pedigree and experience, Van Dijk’s introduction will hopefully iron out the defensive inconsistencies that have, at times, hindered Liverpool’s league campaign and rejuvenate the side with a sense of confidence at the back.

Vardy got his ninth Premier League goal of the season to put Leicester ahead (Getty)

Maguire blows hot and cold

Harry Maguire is one of those rare entities in English football – a ball-playing, buccaneering centre-back who is unafraid of venturing outside his own half. After showing what he’s capable of in front of goal against United last weekend, the Englishman showcased his abilities at the back this time round - for better and for worse.

Assertive, (largely) composed and fearless both on and off the ball, Maguire played a key role in keeping Liverpool at bay for nearly 60 minutes. This was best summed up by his last-ditch diving tackle on Salah after the player had broken free on goal. Having initially misjudged the bounce of the ball to allow him in behind, Maguire recovered well to smother the Egyptian with a firm challenge that forced the ball out for a goal-kick.

Harry Maguire blocks Mohamed Salah's shot with a smothering tackle (Getty)

But the defender was ultimately to blame for Salah's second, having positioned himself too tightly to the winger as he received play on the edge of Leicester's box. As such, Salah was able to easily turn the defender using his pace and agility before hitting winner. Having impressed for much of the game, this was a moment that Maguire will be keen to learn from.