Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool traveled a spirited Liberty Stadium on Saturday and had to battle back well to seal the three points over Swansea City.
The Reds got off to a now customary fast start to the game but it was Swansea who had the first big chance as Wayne Routledge’s cross found Borja Baston, who headed over the bar with six minutes on the clock.
Just two minutes later the Swans raced into a surprise lead. With Baston rising highest to nod on a corner, the ball fell fortuitously for Leroy Fer and he could hardly miss from a yard in front of goal.
Swansea continued to impress as Gylfi Sigurdsson lofted a wonderful ball on for Jack Cork who just couldn’t get his head to it in time. They were at it again four minutes later as Sigurdsson’s delivery picked out Baston, who headed wide.
Liverpool steadily began to seize control of the game after the half-hour mark as Swansea were forced to drop deeper and deeper into their own half to repel their attacks. Swansea remained resolute, however, and bar a vital block on Roberto Firmino following a corner, the side dealt with the remainder of the side’s attacks in the first-half with relative ease.
The second period began with a renewed vigour from the Reds as they looked to take the game to the Swans. Then, after a chance for each side in quick succession, Firmino equalised for Liverpool following a free kick to tie up the game after 54 minutes.
Liverpool came close again after 58 minutes as Philippe Coutinho curled narrowly wide. The Reds were all over Swansea by this stage, who were struggling to contain their dynamism, as Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane in particular threatened.
Liverpool continued at full throttle as the half wore on before Swansea enjoyed their best spell of the half as the game entered its final quarter of an hour. Then, with 82 minutes gone, Liverpool were awarded a penalty for a foul on Firmino. James Milner duly stepped up and calmly chipped home to put the Reds 2-1 up.
There were to be no more goals in the tie as Liverpool closed out a hard -fought victory.
Photo: Premier League Website
