- Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson made an error in the build-up to Leicester's goal
- His side still managed to win but £67million goalkeeper's moment was huge
- Elsewhere, Joe Gomez managed to impress for the visitors on Saturday
Spending £67million doesn't get you what it once did. Not even the world's most expensive goalkeeper anymore.
But it really should mean you don't concede unless opposing teams do something pretty good.
Alisson has enjoyed a highly commendable start with Liverpool, imposing an authority between the posts Jurgen Klopp's side has been crying out for.
Alisson tried to turn in the box but was tackled by Kelechi Iheanacho in the build-up to a goal
He tried to recover from his error but Rachid Ghezzal eventually managed to score
Yet the Brazilian was the source of Leicester's goal at the King Power Stadium in a wholly avoidable episode. Inevitably emboldened by the success of his nonchalant chip over an onrushing Anthony Knockaert against Brighton, Alisson tried a Cruyff turn as Kelechi Iheanacho advanced. Except Iheanacho anticipated the move, stole possession, and squared for Rachid Ghezzal to tap in.
Alisson punched the post in anger. Somewhere in Turkey, Loris Karius might have allowed himself a smile.
Amid imperious displays by Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, this was the first time Liverpool had conceded in the Premier League and it was clumsy and awkward. It invited pressure onto the visitors late in the game as Leicester searched with renewed energy for an equaliser.
Clearly, Alisson's role in Klopp's team is as instigator almost as much as stopper. He is asked to pass out from the back, to in essence add an extra outfield player. There are occupational hazards inherent. 'I take risks,' Alisson said after the Brighton game. 'Fans with heart problems have to be careful! But on the pitch I do not try to make fun of a rival. It is already calculated.'
The Brazilian goalkeeper shows his dejection following Ghezzal's goal on Saturday afternoon
He got his sums wrong against Leicester and the salvation for Liverpool is that they won three points anyway. Rather than those mistakes by Karius that will sadly define his career, this incident will be a footnote in the season come the finish. But it is a reminder of what can go wrong.
On the touchline Klopp swung his arms and pointed towards the top end of the pitch. Go long, he was telling his goalkeeper. It is a very difficult part of the game but Alisson must get the balance right.
In front of him Van Dijk was again superb, but Gomez stood out. The 21-year-old received a deserved call up to Gareth Southgate's England squad and should feature in both matches against Spain and Switzerland.
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