Michael Owen says Diogo Jota did ‘unbelievably well’ to retrieve the ball that led to Virgil van Dijk opening the scoring during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Wolves on Wednesday night at Anfield.
At first, the Dutchman saw his initial effort hit the post before it seemed as though the ball was going to go out of action, only for the agile and quick-moving Jota keeping it in play and proceeding to float a lovely cross for van Dijk to head home at the second time of asking.
That opened the door for Liverpool to then get their second of the night through Mohamed Salah, who equalled Robbie Fowler’s Premier League tally of 128 goals, as Jurgen Klopp’s men secured a much-needed win.
That’s four clean sheets on the bounce for the Reds in the Premier League, as slowly but surely, things are starting to fall into their favour.
Ibrahima Konate returned to action yesterday, whilst Jota is getting fitter and stronger by the week, yes, they are heading for an early Champions League exit, but they are still in with a chance of securing a top-four finish.
Nonetheless, following that win over Wolves, Michael Owen spoke highly about Jota and how the £41 million man (Sky Sports) just never gave up, as he told Premier League Productions (01/03/23 at 10:35 pm).
“He (van Dijk) will be disappointed he didn’t score at the first attempt,” said Owen. “I thought Jota did unbelievably well. It’s a great ball in. Van Dijk, as you can see is onside, but it actually comes off his shoulder (first effort).
“But Jota, that is an unbelievable retrieval and a great ball in – but I am so impressed by Jota. Right onto van Dijk’s head. He wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice.”
LIVERPOOL HUNTING DOWN NEWCASTLE AND TOTTENHAM
Those three points moved Liverpool into sixth place, two points behind fifth-placed Newcastle United, who have played a game less and six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham – but they have a game in hand on Antonio Conte’s men.
What’s interesting here is that both Spurs and Newcastle’s morale will be on the floor, after recent cup defeats.
Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Sheffield United on Wednesday night, whilst the Magpies were beaten in the League Cup Final by Manchester United on Sunday.
It could be argued, in terms of confidence, Liverpool have that above those two teams, which has come at the right time because it’s now the business end of the campaign.
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