Liverpool marked their return to Anfield in some style, with a convincing 4-1 victory over Premier League champions Leicester City.

It was a good start to the proceedings from the Reds with goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, but a gifted goal from Jamie Vardy left them feeling nervy for the remainder of the half. However they took control again in the second period, with goals from Adam Lallana and Firmino rounding a convincing afternoon for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Above: Sadio Mane scoring his goal in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Leicester City | Photo: Getty Images
Above: Sadio Mane scoring his goal in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Leicester City | Photo: Getty Images

Getting off on the right foot

This was Liverpool's  first home game of the season, since the expansion of the main stand, and the extra 9,000 supporters were left celebrating with Klopp's side taking the lead after 13 minutes. It was good build up play from the home side, with James Milner playing it up to Firmino, he still had a lot to do as he cut in brilliantly before stroking the effort back across Kasper Schmeichel giving the Dane no chance.

It was almost two before the half hour mark, when Mane teed it up for Daniel Sturridge who looked to certain to score from six yards out, but Schmeichel did well to instinctively save his effort.

Schmeichel could do nothing to prevent Liverpool adding a second, with Jordan Henderson playing an excellent ball to Sturridge. The striker produced an excellent assist as he back-heeled into the feet of Mane who superbly chipped Schmeichel.

Above: Jamie Vardy collecting the ball after his goal in Leicester'a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool | Photo: Getty Images
Above: Jamie Vardy collecting the ball after his goal in Leicester'a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool | Photo: Getty Images

Gifted a way back into the game

As strong as Liverpool looked, their defensive frailties were still clear as they gifted the Foxes a way back into the game. Simon Mignolet played the ball to Lucas Leiva, but his attempted backpass was straight to Vardy who made no mistake by sticking it into an empty net.

It could be two quite easily when Robert Huth has he rose highest to a corner, but his header looped off the crossbar and onto the roof of the net.

Above: Adam Lallana celebrating Liverpool's third goal in their 4-1 win over Leicester City | Photo: Getty Images
Above: Adam Lallana celebrating Liverpool's third goal in their 4-1 win over Leicester City | Photo: Getty Images

Finishing the tie

The Reds were still left shaken at the beginning of the second period, as they looked to round off the match with the third goal. They nearly had it when Sturridge was put through on goal, but Schmeichel was there once again to block the effort.

However they got their third goal just seconds later, Georginio Wijnaldum teed it up for Lallana, who followed up his first international goal last Sunday as he smashed the effort into the top corner.

The three points were secured in the final minute of normal time, as Mane latched onto a ball and took it around Schmeichel, who decided to come rushing off his line. His pass to Firmino looked to have saw the chance go begging but the Brazilian did well to put into an empty net to wrap up a convincing victory.

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.