‘We have to applaud’: Michael Owen & Paul Ince hail £34m Liverpool ace’s actions on 13 mins

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Michael Owen and Paul Ince hailed Sadio Mane on Premier League Productions for being ‘very honest’ during Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Wolves on Monday night.

Both pundits think Mane could have gone down to win a penalty after 13 minutes when he knocked the ball past Wolves keeper Rui Patricio after being put through on goal.

Even though Patricio’s hands made contact with Mane’s feet, he maintained his balance and tried to make something of the situation – his effort on goal was blocked.

Both Owen and Ince were waxing-lyrical about how honest the £34m Liverpool attacker (BBC Sport) was last night and how some are quick to criticise when players go down easily.

“He decides to go around the keeper and stays on his feet,” said Owen. “I think we see often strikers go down too easy. We just see a hand (from the Wolves keeper), he touches Sadio Mane’s foot there. He has every right to go down.

“But I think it’s only fair when we have a go at attackers for going down too early, it’s only fair to give them a little praise as well. We don’t like to see them diving.

“And there have been a few instances lately with Sadio Mane where he has stayed on his feet. I think we have to applaud that sometimes – and give them praise. Sadio Mane being very honest, at the moment.”

Ince added: “Michael is right, he is very honest. It has to be clear and obvious. We don’t want players any contact, going over and then diving.

“So, it’s great to see a player, especially Mane who’s got criticism for going down (too easily) during the last couple of years, try and stay up and score a goal. I think it’s great to see.”

This was the Liverpool old and it has been for a few games now, but it shouldn’t be a surprise.

Fabinho is back in midfield, there are two natural centre-backs at the heart of the defence, which is easing pressure on the fullbacks and then allowing the front three to flow.

With Diogo Jota getting on the scoresheet again, it could be argued that he could now be a part of the long-term future of that Liverpool front three going forward.