Leicester City have been relegated from the Premier League after defeat to Liverpool. The Foxes join Southampton in their return to the Championship after failing to beat Arne Slot’s champions in waiting, who claimed a 1-0 win.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 76th-minute goal killed any hopes the home side had of extending their stay in the division, and brought a Premier League title another step closer for the Reds. The league-leaders could earn the honour if Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace in midweek.
The loss saw Leicester fail to find the net at the King Power Stadium once again, and have not given their supporters reason to cheer at home since December 8th. As a result, they became the first team in top-flight history to go nine consecutive home league games without finding the net.
Since Ruud van Nistelrooy took over from Steve Cooper in November, the Midlands side have won just two games. The Dutchman signed a two-year deal with Leicester placed in 16th position in the Premier League and one point above the relegation zone.
Van Nistelrooy was unable to reverse his side’s dwindling fortunes after taking the reigns however as the club suffer their fifth relegation from the division.
Leicester were hardly able to land a glove on their opponents on Sunday, and failed to record a shot on target against Liverpool. They were perhaps fortunate to concede just one goal as the Reds had 28 shots and dominated possession.
Despite their persistent struggles in front of goal, Sunday marked the first league match at home in which they’ve failed to register a shot on target since February 2023 against Arsenal.
Roy Keane appears unsurprised by Leicester’s plight and provided a negative prediction ahead of the game. “It’s been tough for Leicester this season,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“It’s been tough for Ruud since he’s come in, there are big problems, particularly at home, they can’t score a goal. Defensively, they look so weak. They look like a Championship side.
“They must be low on confidence, no self-belief, I think there will be players in that dressing room that Leicester will be dreading (facing), particularly if Liverpool start quickly and score an early goal. It’ll be a tough afternoon for Leicester, they’ve been up against it all season, obviously they changed their manager, there’s been no real reaction to Ruud coming in. They’re up against it.”
Leicester were promoted as winners of the Championship last term but saw boss Enzo Maresca depart for Chelsea in the summer. Steve Cooper was appointed in his place but appeared to lose the squad before being handed his marching orders.
The Foxes fortunes did not improve following Van Nistelrooy’s arrival however and the Dutchman has already faced questions over his future. Speaking in March, the former Manchester United striker suggested he knew what he got himself into when asked about his prospects in March.
“I signed a contract for two more years after this one,” he said. “I was aware when I arrived what the challenge was and how difficult it could be. I was aware of that and committed to that future.”
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