BRIGHTON, United Kingdom (AFP) - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed his side's maturity as Premier League contenders after breaking down an obdurate Brighton thanks to Mohamed Salah's 50th-minute penalty in a 1-0 win on Saturday (Jan 12).
Klopp's men had lost their last two games in very contrasting fashion as Manchester City inflicted Liverpool's only Premier League defeat of the campaign nine days ago before a much-changed side lost in the FA Cup to Wolves.
Liverpool were far from their fluent best on England's south coast, but ground out a vital win to move seven points clear of City at the top of the table thanks to a 13th clean sheet in 22 league games this season.
"The headline before the game was 'be ready', the headline after the game is 'very mature'," said Klopp.
"It's so important. On the good days everybody can win; on average days not a lot of teams can win football games and, on a bad day, only a few can win.
"Today was not a bad day but it was a difficult day because Brighton is doing really well."
Salah was just one a number of first-team regulars to return from Monday's defeat by Wolves, but the Egyptian and the rest of Liverpool's forward line were starved of service before the break as Brighton sat deep and the visitors dominated possession without any cutting edge.
"It was very hard but that is how it is," added Klopp.
"I liked the performance. It wasn't an opera of football but it was a really nice song."
SALAH'S SIGNAL OF INTENT
Salah immediately signalled a change in Liverpool's intent after half-time as his powerful shot at the end of a purposeful run was well saved by David Button.
Brighton, though, were architects of their own downfall moments later. Salah was given too much room inside the area to turn and Pascal Gross then hauled down last season's Premier League player of the year.
"I feel for Pascal because Mo Salah is probably the most dangerous player once he gets in those positions one on one," said Brighton boss Chris Hughton, who had no complaints over the penalty award.
Salah stepped up to blast the penalty past Button and move level with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Harry Kane as the league's top-scorer on 14 goals for the season.
One moment of madness from Gross undid Hughton's gameplan to defend and frustrate the league leaders.
Yet, the German midfielder had a chance to make amends almost immediately with Brighton's best opportunity to level, but his shot was bravely blocked by Fabinho.
From then on Liverpool looked more likely to add to their lead than concede as Firmino's fierce strike from outside the box was placed too close to Button before Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane fired wide.
Salah passed up a glorious chance two minutes from time when he turned James Milner's driven cross wide from point-blank range.
That could have proved costly when Florin Andone escaped in behind the Liverpool defence in stoppage time, but his low cross found no takers.
And Liverpool held out to ensure a largely forgettable 90 minutes could be remembered as another important step on course to the title come May.
Football: Liverpool's TV income may top record £250 million
The Premier League voiced "significant concerns" over potential reforms to the Champions League on Friday, saying the changes would damage the thriving domestic game. Reported reforms being put
Football: Premier League voices fears over proposed Champions
Home Football Scoring an issue for Protectors despite first win, Scoring an issue for Protectors despite first win, Football News & Top Stories. By. admin - April 2, 2019. 402. 0. Facebook.
Scoring an issue for Protectors despite first win
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar on Sunday left the door open for a potential move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The world's most expensive footballer is currently recovering from a foot injury which he suffered on January 23 and has been linked with a return to La Liga ever since joining PSG from Barcelona in 2017.
Football: Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid, Football News
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 17, 2018, with the headline 'Real must 'suffer' to win, says Solari'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
Have to win these games to fight for the league, says Solari
LONDON • Regardless of claiming that Tottenham's English Premier League title hopes are over, Mauricio Pochettino believes his gamers will nonetheless be motivated to offer their greatest shot after they host Arsenal at Wembley at present.
Coventry: U23s extra motivated for London Stadium Arsenal
And unlike England camps of old where club rivalries have left to factions forming on international duty, Kane believes Gareth Southgate's squad will not be distracted ahead of Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic on Friday and away to Montenegro on Monday. "We've got a great bond here and at the end of the day we are good friends.
Kane insists club rivalries will not split England camp
JAMES MILNER . Milner wants team to deliver better final ball. Feb 27, 2019, 5:00 am. Subscribe to The Straits Times. call 6388-3838 or click here. Available for iPhones and iPads.
James Milner determined to right the wrongs after three
Warnock hails Cardiff's response to Sala tragedy Cardiff City supporters display tributes for Argentinian forward Emiliano Sala ahead of the Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates
Warnock proud of Cardiff response to Sala tragedy at Arsenal
Juve foiled by Gervinho brace after leading 3-1 Advertisement MILAN, Feb 3: Parma forward Gervinho scored twice as his team hit back from 3-1 behind on Saturday to draw 3-3 at Serie A leaders Juventus who dropped points for only the third time in the league this season.
Football: Palace climb away from troube with 3-1 win at
Mohamed Salah Calls For Gender Equality, Urges People to Treat Women Better Mohamed Salah was named one of the US magazine's 100 most influential figures of the year, alongside Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Naomi Osaka.
'Mo' Salah Asks Muslim World To Treat Women Better - The New
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen