The league leaders were beaten for only the second time this season as Christian Benteke came off the bench to secure Liverpool victory.
It was a deserved win for Jurgen Klopp’s side, Leicester succumbing to a 64th minute winner from the Belgian striker.
Benteke (center) celebrates scoring Liverpool's winner
In a frantic finale the hosts missed several chances to put greater distance between the sides as Claudio Ranieri’s men showed the first signs of weariness in an impressive campaign.
Until today, the only time Ranieri has appeared under siege this season is following persistent questioning about a title bid.
A refusal to suggest Leicester’s run will be sustained has seen Ranieri pinned to the wall.
“Say it, Claudio. Admit your team can win the league.”
Ranieri has been able to say nothing while his players make all the statements. Having won at Goodison Park a week ago, a Merseyside double would have been the most telling of all but they never threatened to repeat their away form here.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp his Leicester counterpart Claudio Ranieri instruct their players
Possession stats
Liverpool needed a reaction to their dire loss at Watford, the shortage of a goal threat becoming as much a problem under Jurgen Klopp as it was Brendan Rodgers.
Klopp’s heart-to-heart with Benteke must have involved an explanation why he would not be winning a Boxing Day recall. He initially remained a substitute, with Divock Origi preferred to lead the line.
It looked a justified decision for 36 minutes, as Origi harassed Wes Morgan and Robert Huth, twice outpacing the centre-halves before shooting powerfully, most significantly when provoking Kasper Schmeichel into 25th minute save.
Liverpool attacking thirds
Sadly for the youngster, his exertions took their toll when he was forced off with what appeared a hamstring problem.
Liverpool's Divock Origi lies injured before being substituted
Liverpool had momentum with Origi, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana also wasting opportunities with the Leicester defence turned.
The away side's best chance of the first half was crafted by Rihad Mahrez, whose trickery created space for a snapshot at Simon Mignolet that demanded a fine save, pushing over the bar.
Leicester’s defenders seemed happier dealing with the static Benteke than the nippy Origi, although the £32 million did get on the end of a Henderson cross on the hour – heading over – to show where his real threat is.
Four minutes later he made the breakthrough, Roberto Firmino’s cross from the left picking out the Belgian whose classy finished belied the lack of confidence he’d demonstrated prior to the goal.
Benteke seals the win
Having sat back, the visitors finally poured men forward in pursuit of an equaliser and forced Mignolet into his first action of the second half on 74 minutes – a close range save to prevent sub Nathan Dyer equalising.
Nathan Dyer comes close for Leicester
With both Mahrez and Vardy subbed in the latter stages, there were signs of weariness in the league leaders although Liverpool’s defensive anxieties always offered hope as full-time approached.
Leicester attacking thirds
Coutinho would have settled nerves but for the crossbar in the 84th minute, and somehow Benteke and Lucas contrived to miss an open goal in injury time – Schmeichel stranded upfield pursuing a set-piece equaliser.
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