Football: Champions Leicester outclassed by vibrant Liverpool

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring their fourth goal. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS) - Roberto Firmino scored twice and Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana also found the net in an eye-catching attacking display from Liverpool as they beat Leicester City 4-1 at home on Saturday (Sept 10).

Firmino opened the scoring in the 13th minute after being found by a superb pass by James Milner, taking a touch to evade the defenders before finishing calmly across Kasper Schmeichel's goal.

Mane added a second in the 31st minute, chipping home to cap off a delicious team move after being picked out by Daniel Sturridge.

A defensive mix-up gave the champions a lifeline seven minutes later when Jamie Vardy capitalised on Lucas Leiva's mindless ball across goal to tap in from close range, but while Leicester pressed manfully, they struggled to construct a coherent attacking threat.

The hosts restored their two-goal advantage in the 56th minute when Lallana met Giorgino Wijnaldum's lay-off and rifled a fine shot into the top corner, before Firmino added a late fourth from a searing counter attack after Schmeichel underestimated Mane's speed and was caught in no man's land.

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