Liverpool came away 2-1 winners at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea City thanks to a James Milner penalty last night.
The Swans took the lead through Leroy Fer early in the first half, but Roberto Firmino equalised after the break to give the Reds a chance at gaining all three points.
When Firmino was brought down in the penalty area late in the game, Milner stood up and gave Jurgen Klopp’s side the win.
Swansea played Liverpool at their own game
The so called lesser teams of the league have been known to sit back against the big boys due to the attacking talent they tend to possess, but Swansea City did the complete opposite.
Liverpool are associated with the high press and counter-attacking brand of football – so the natural instinct as opposition is to sit deep and try and play on the break.
When Swansea City were surprisingly pressing the visitors in the first half, the Swans genuinely looked the better side. Liverpool’s back four looked shaky and nervous. They were not able to play from the back without someone closing them down, which really upset their rhythm.
If other teams are to take anything from Swansea City today, then it is the way they set up and played the Merseysiders. It may be the best way for opposition sides to come away with the result they want against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
Write Liverpool off at your own peril
Again it took another late goal from the Reds to come away with all three points. Manchester United had it under Sir Alex Ferguson, it looks like Liverpool have it under Jurgen Klopp.
The ability to fight and comeback into games is becoming enormous. Teams are now taking the lead knowing that it more than likely will not be enough due to the spirit Klopp has installed into this side.
Liverpool were far from their best, which is why this result is so satisfying for Klopp’s men. One cannot be at your best every game, so finding ways to win is massive when it comes to challenging for the title. Liverpool took a step forward today and it could be a crucial three points come the end of the season.
Philippe Coutinho influential from deep
With Adam Lallana forced off in the first half due to a groin injury, Klopp turned to Philippe Coutinho to fill the unattended central-midfield position.
If Lallana’s injury is significant enough to put him out for a while, then Coutinho certainly showed that he can play in a deeper role.
What was impressive with the Brazilian’s performance was his ability to control the game from the middle of the park. He comes across as the type that perhaps would be suited better to playing deeper, because he is such a good passer of the football. He is able to control the tempo, drive at players, create and get into goal scoring positions.
No doubt when Lallana returns we will see Coutinho go back into his more attacking position, but for now it might be worth allowing him to continue in the deeper role. It could prove to be quite an inspired move.
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