His predecessor would undoubtedly have taken a dim view. Arne Slot, though, appeared happy to let the Kop enjoy themselves.

A quickfire comeback prompted by goals either side of half-time had seen Liverpool wipe out Jordan Ayew’s shock early opener when, shortly before the hour, Reds supporters were compelled to break into a brief rendition of “Liverpool, Liverpool, top of the league”.

There was more of the same after Mohamed Salah made the game safe inside the opening 10 minutes, while injury time also heard the tune being belted out with significantly greater gusto.

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The fog may have descended upon Anfield throughout this chilly evening but there was no real sense this would be a missed opportunity for Liverpool, even after taking a mildly concerning amount of time to start working through the gears.

While festive football is new to Slot, he will soon discover the busy period isn’t a time for great football. It’s just about getting the results. Just ask Chelsea, who hours earlier threw away a lead to lose at home to neighbours Fulham. Just ask Manchester City, whose woes continued by letting victory against Everton slip through their fingers.

By backing up last Sunday’s thrilling 6-3 triumph at Tottenham Hotspur with a more mundane 3-1 victory, Liverpool now stand seven points clear at the summit with a game in hand. Arsenal, nine points adrift, are emerging as their more realistic challengers.

If nobody could have envisaged such a strong start to Slot’s reign – it’s now 22 wins, three draws and just the one defeat in all competitions – few could argue their Premier League advantage isn’t anything but deserved.

Here Liverpool demonstrated the increased composure and control instilled in them by Slot to gradually wear down a Leicester side who, after a dangerous opening 20 minutes, gradually faded out of view as an attacking threat.

Slot’s side were nowhere near their best for large periods here, but what didn’t alter was their unshakeable belief that their methods and approach would see them through.

And any niggling fears the visitors could echo their East Midlands neighbours Nottingham Forest in landing an Anfield blow on Liverpool were ultimately well banished, the Reds showing they had learned the value of patience after that sole blemish on their campaign to date.

Liverpool, Liverpool top of the league. And, approaching the halfway point in the season, they are fast becoming the team to beat.