Cardiff 0-2 Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner score to send Reds top of the Premier League
Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League as they netted twice in the second-half to earn a 2-0 win at Cardiff.Georginio Wijnaldum struck in the 57th minute to ease Liverpool nerves before substitute James Milner slotted home a penalty with nine minutes remaining after Mohamed Salah had been fouled.
5Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates his openerThe victory – the sixth successive time Liverpool have won a Premier League game by scoring the winner in the second half – saw them reclaim top spot from Manchester City after the champions had beaten Tottenham on Saturday.Liverpool now hold a two-point advantage, but the lead could change hands again on Wednesday when City play their game in hand against Manchester United at Old Trafford. It was Liverpool’s ninth consecutive win in all competitions and gave them a new highest Premier League points tally, beating the 86 that Rafael Benitez’s side managed in the 2008-09 season.Cardiff had suffered a blow on Saturday when relegation rivals Brighton picked up a point from a goalless draw at WolvesThis result leaves them three points from safety and Brighton do have a game in hand.But Brighton have daunting fixtures against Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City and the committed nature of this performance will give Cardiff hope they can possibly win two of their final three games – they might have to in order to survive.
5The top of the Premier League tableLiverpool predictably set up camp in the Cardiff half early on and Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock must have feared the “battering” he had spoken about before the game.Neil Etheridge was forced to punch clear Naby Keita’s pass as Salah sensed an opportunity, but Cardiff were compact and dogged and saw out the first 20 minutes with little concern.Cardiff also carried a threat on the break as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing provided Trent Alexander-Arnold with one of the most difficult 45-minute periods of his season.Mendez-Laing had shown Alexander-Arnold one clean pair of heels before he burst to the byline.His cross found Junior Hoilett at the far post but the winger hesitated and Andy Robertson smothered the ball to safety.
5Liverpool struggled to break down Cardiff in the first-halfThe first big chance arrived after 22 minutes when Sadio Mane slipped in Roberto Firmino, but the Brazilian cleared the crossbar with only Etheridge to beat.Etheridge distinguished himself when he stuck out a foot to stop Salah and Liverpool were indebted to their own goalkeeper just before half-time.Liverpool only partially cleared a corner and Victor Camarasa struck his effort into the ground.Oumar Niasse, on loan from Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton, turned the ball goalwards but Alisson Becker reacted smartly to turn over.Cardiff had only operated at 20 per cent possession in the first half, but they also created the first chance of the second period.
5Salah is fouled by Sean MorrisonMendez-Laing’s deep cross was just too high for Sean Morrison and the Cardiff captain directed his header onto the roof of the net.But Liverpool pressure began to grow and Mane and Alexander-Arnold were both just off-target before the breakthrough came.Alexander-Arnold had given his previous corners height and sent them deep, but this time he delivered it to the near post where Wijnaldum met it with the most perfect connection to give Etheridge no chance.Jordan Henderson should have doubled the lead, but Liverpool escaped when Morrison missed from a few yards out after Alisson had failed to collect a corner.
5Milner scores from the spotLiverpool were disrupted further by losing Fabinho, who had replaced Keita, almost instantly following a clash of heads and Milner was sent on to prove what was a decisive role.The Reds got the breathing space they craved when Morrison had his hands all over Salah and the Egyptian fell to the ground.Salah seemed as if he wanted to take the kick and become the third Liverpool player to score 20 in consecutive Premier League seasons, emulating Robbie Fowler and Luis Suarez.But Milner took the ball and coolly dispatched the kick to take Liverpool top again.
Liverpool could miss out on £13.2MILLION this summer if Manchester United sign former hero Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona. The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old since
~ Manchester United transfer news: How Liverpool could miss
But both he and Modric will face stiff opposition from Egypt and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. The 26-year-old enjoyed a record breaking debut season at Anfield, scoring 44 goals and spear-heading his side's journey to the Champions League final. READ: Can Ronaldo and Juve win the Champions League? Celebrating the best
Liverpool to face Toronto FC at Rogers Centre | The Star
Manchester United begin their FA Cup campaign on Saturday lunchtime with Reading visiting Old Trafford to take on the Red Devils. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United manager, is expected to field a relatively rotated line-up for the match with his side next in Premier League action against Tottenham.
Manchester United vs Juventus: Tahith Chong named on bench
Zaha abused on social media as EFL condemn racism after three
Tickets for away games in the Premier League will remain capped at £30 after top-flight clubs unanimously decided to continue the scheme. The agreement to cap prices has been in place since the start of the of 2016-17 season in a bid to make travelling to games more affordable and maintain the atmosphere at grounds.
Premier League clubs vote to keep away ticket price capped at
Sadio Mane has been on red hot form for Liverpool this season and one stat underlines how vital he has become for Jurgen Klopp's side. He has the best minutes per goal record in knockout history.
Sadio Mane : Liverpool star aims for Premier League and
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri happy with
Christian Pulisic's transfer highlights how U.S. youth clubs are getting screwed New, 77 comments A record transfer fee is resulting in nothing for the team that trained Chelsea's new star.
Chelsea transfer ban upheld: What it means - football.london
The Reds are the only team in the top tier yet to concede after the opening two games of the new season. Liverpool spent bring in the summer transfer window as they look to mount a title bid but
Liverpool team news: Sadio Mane starts on the bench for
Switzerland vs England live on talkSPORT: Free commentary stream and confirmed teams for Nations League clash 12 hours ago The Three Lions now take on Switzerland in the third place play-off after they were beaten by Portugal in their clash in Porto on Wednesday.
Valencia vs Arsenal live on talkSPORT: Commentary, stream and
No comments:
Post a Comment