Liverpool Win 2017 Premier League Asia Trophy with 2-1 Victory vs. Leicester

Liverpool defeated Leicester City 2-1 in the Premier League Asia Trophy final in Hong Kong on Saturday.

Islam Slimani gave the Foxes an advantage after 12 minutes, but Mohamed Salah equalised just eight minutes later.

Philippe Coutinho gave the Reds the lead on the stroke of half-time, and it was enough for the Anfield giants to earn the victory.

The heat played its part on the English sides, and the teams lacked match sharpness ahead of the new campaign.

Defender Nathaniel Clyne was unavailable because of injury, but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp fielded a competitive starting XI against Leicester:

Klopp's men started the game in fine fettle, passing and moving with a strut in attack.

They were quickly stung, however, as Leicester scored early when Slimani found the net. Left-back Christian Fuchs crossed into the box to find the striker, and the Algerian climbed above James Milner to head home.

Riyad Mahrez gave the Foxes solid control in midfield, but the Reds moved through the gears to gain an equaliser.

Salah and Coutinho combined expertly, giving fans a taste of what they can deliver as a pair. The Brazilian chipped the ball into the path of Salah, and the new signing from Roma nodded it home to complete a sumptuous move.

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Hong Kong's Liverpool fans exploded into life, delighted to see the high quality on offer from their side. The best was yet to come, though, as Coutinho scored a stunning effort as half-time approached.

Salah linked with Roberto Firmino, and the attacker found his compatriot, who smashed the ball past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. It was a stunning effort from a player sure to be one of the stars of the forthcoming season.

B/R Football hailed Liverpool's forwards:

With their 2-1 advantage, the Reds made a number of changes in the second half, where both sides saw a reduction in their flow and positivity, and Leicester did not have enough in the tank to muster an equaliser.

Liverpool were comfortable winners in the end, and they will certainly be challengers for the Premier League title this term.