Slot machine one win away from jackpot

Edging 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 seemed to weigh on Liverpool.

Against a Leicester team that needed to win to stave 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, before Coady's effort was ruled out for a foul on Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

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 traveling supporters.

Liverpool's last title in 2020 came during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning teams had to play behind closed doors.

"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.

Four-midable display

After eliminating holder 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 minute, 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 plays Palace midweek, when it can at least delay Liverpool's coronation until this weekend.

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