Liverpool take a commanding two-goal lead into the second leg of their Europa League tie after a strong performance at Anfield.
Liverpool put themselves in the driving seat as they ran out 2-0 winners in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie against Manchester United at Anfield.
Daniel Sturridge scored from the penalty spot after Nathaniel Clyne was brought down by Memphis Depay, with Roberto Firmino doubling the home side’s lead in the second half.
It could have been more where it not for the fine performance of United goalkeeper David De Gea, who pulled off a string of excellent saves to keep his side in the contest. Where it not for him, many would’ve thought the tie could’ve been decided with 90 minutes still to play at Old Trafford next week.
Here are five things we may have learned about Liverpool last night:
It’s amazing how Liverpool don’t look rubbish with their two best players available
Both Sturridge and Coutinho were unavailable for the Premier League encounters against Manchester United – where Liverpool were on the wrong end of the scoreline in both games. Instead they had a player in Philippe Coutinho who wanted to prove he was technically the best player on display and he played as if the ball was a on a string as United just couldn’t get it off him, while whenever Daniel Sturridge isolated a Manchester United defender, the Visitors looked in deep trouble. Their presence allowed the likes of Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana to flourish.
Henderson early booking perhaps helped the home side settle
It was a clear marker from the referee that this was to be played like a European game rather than the more lenient Premier League rules. The challenge from Jordan Henderson that saw a yellow put to his name may have only warranted a foul if the referee was being overly protective in a domestic encounter but Liverpool then adapted to the conditions. In a weird way they settled down, they knew how the game was going to pan out even if there were some questionable decision from the Spanish officials, and United were behind the eight ball from then on in.
And odd centre-back partnership that seems to be working
Some have criticised both Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho during various times of their Liverpool career, and there are times when they don’t look entirely comfortable alongside each other but it’s another clean sheet to their names, and Simon Mignolet seems quite comfortable with the pair ahead of him. One thing Mignolet has never had during his time at the club is a settled defensive partnership that he looks comfortable with, these two he looks to trust more than others.
Something seems to have clicked with Emre Can
His form over the past month or so has been pretty ridiculous, quite frankly. He uses his presence well, is a lot more careful in possession, breaks up the play, fills in for the defenders behind him whenever he is called upon. Liverpool will hope that this kind of form continues as he is steadily developing into a wonderful midfield player.
Klopp’s in-game management in the second half was exemplary
It’s another difference from when the two sides met in January is the Liverpool manager’s ability to change the game from the bench. When United came out in the second half with a slightly different set-up, he could bring on Joe Allen to help Liverpool get some control of the game back, and Divock Origi’s introduction from the bench in order to stretch a tired United defence – with an ageing Michael Carrick at the back – allowed the home side to see the game out with a little more ease.
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