Trent Alexander-Arnold fired Liverpool to the brink of Premier League glory with a dramatic late winner against Leicester on Sunday afternoon as the Foxes were relegated following their 1-0 defeat to the champions elect.
The England international, who has been heavily linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 76th minute.
Alexander-Arnold marked his 350th appearance for his boyhood club by rifling home a left-footed strike - the first of his career - through a crowd of players.
His passionate celebration, ripping off his shirt in front of the travelling supporters, demonstrated his commitment despite speculation about his future.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a late goal against Leicester to see Liverpool claim all three points
Reuters
The goal proved the perfect parting gift if indeed he is to depart Anfield this summer.
Liverpool now sit just three points away from clinching only their second top-flight title in 35 years.
Arne Slot's men can be crowned champions next Sunday when they face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
The title could come even sooner if Arsenal fail to beat Crystal Palace in midweek.
Liverpool supporters will surely be hoping the Gunners don't slip up, as it would mean they get the chance to witness their side win the title at home - something they were denied during their 2019-20 success under Jurgen Klopp due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Reds have now won six of their last seven league matches despite recent criticism of their performances.
The match had started with Liverpool nearly taking an early lead, as Mohamed Salah struck both posts within the opening minutes.
Leicester thought they had broken their long home scoring drought when Conor Coady headed into an empty net after the hour mark.
Leicester needed a win to stave off relegation for at least a week
Reuters
However, the goal was disallowed after Patson Daka was judged to have fouled Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the build-up.
The breakthrough finally came following a corner when both Salah and Diogo Jota were denied by the woodwork.
Alexander-Arnold, introduced just five minutes earlier, pounced on the loose ball and fired home through a sea of bodies to secure the vital three points.
The defeat confirmed Leicester City's immediate return to the Championship, becoming the second team after Southampton to have their relegation sealed.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold's goal relegated Leicester in the process
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The Foxes have endured a miserable campaign, particularly at home where they haven't scored a league goal since 8 December - a barren run now stretching to 133 days.
Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has lost 16 of his 20 league games in charge and has been non-committal about his future at the club.
There appears to be significant discord between supporters and the club's hierarchy, with a plane flying over the stadium before kick-off displaying a banner reading "King Power clueless - sack the board".
