Alan Shearer has praised Liverpool for being ‘totally different’ in the second half of their 2-2 draw against Man City on Sunday at the Etihad, as he told Match of the Day 2.
The former striker highlighted Jordan Henderson who did ‘really, really well’ to win the second balls for Liverpool, whilst he admitted Mo Salah ‘didn’t have his best game’, but he produced a moment of magic when his well-weighted through ball was finished off by Sadio Mane for the equaliser.
Just like Salah did during the reverse fixture back in October, he produced that goldust moment when it mattered most for Liverpool, this time an assist to help his side to a point.
Like many expected before a ball was kicked at the Etihad, this was a pulsating encounter and one that didn’t provide any clear answer as to where the Premier League title is headed.
Whilst the Reds would have been critical of their first-half display, they changed it up after the break and Shearer highlighted that.
“Liverpool straight away in the second half, they were totally different,” said Shearer. “Henderson picking up the second balls, he did it really, really well.
“Salah didn’t have his best game. But what a pass (for Mane’s goal). The weight of pass to Mane and it’s a magnificent finish.”
The Premier League stage didn’t separate the two yesterday, but Wembley certainly will this Saturday.
From battling it out for the title to now trying to win the FA Cup, the winner of this weekend’s showdown will feel they can add multiple trophies to their cabinet this season – either Crystal Palace or Chelsea await them in the final.
Liverpool already have the League Cup to their name this term and they will want to use that to push them past that dotted line.
But, just like their penalty shootout win against Chelsea, it’s probably not going to be done the easy way, even if Jurgen Klopp and his players are indeed the ones celebrating at the end of the campaign.
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