A scuffed volley that lands perfectly on a Cardiff boot, caromed up to the top shelf where Grandma hides last year’s Easter Peeps. In season’s past, this would have been the ender, the heartbreak moment we all fear but deep down, somehow expect. But, this is Alisson Becker and he doesn’t have time for your anxieties. He simply punches a potential atomic-bomb over the bar in the 43rd minute and Liverpool go again.
That's a stunning save from Alisson Becker to deny Niasse. Another big contribution from the Brazil No 1 #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) April 21, 2019
Liverpool came into the match against Cardiff in second after Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Spurs. Cardiff was in desperation mode, firmly in the relegation zone, needing multiple results in the closing weeks to remain in the top-flight. The Yorkshire Mourinho kept things tight in the first half, leaving his Cardiff squad back to defend in numbers. Still, Liverpool manufactured a few chances, but either finishing or ill-timed run leaving them wanting.
The Reds had their full complement to continue the chase for their elusive, first Premier League title. Fabinho was rested in favour of Wijnaldum, having had an injury scare during the Porto match, but the rest of the eleven was a surprise to no-one.
And since Jurgen Klopp is on a roll of a lifetime, with more luck than Jesus on Easter Sunday, who do you think would come up with the go-ahead goal? In the 58th minute, just when some of us started to contemplate the possibility that the road to the title might end in Cardiff, Gini Wijnaldum ghosted into the centre of the 18-yard-box and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had struggled through the first half, skimmed a corner along the grass, perfectly weighted for the Dutch midfielder to power home. 0-1 Liverpool. Der-der-der-der-der-der Gini Wijnaldum!
inject the gini song stirahgt into my fucking dick it's the best song
— FML FPL – Fantasy Premier League Podcast (@FMLFPL) April 21, 2019
Moments later, Morrison looked to return the favour, getting past Sadio Mané at the back post for a free header but managed to strike the ball with the back of his neck. A point blank whiff from Cardiff. There’s a reason they’re in this position.
Warnock started bringing on rugby players, forcing Klopp to pull the diminutive Keita in the 71st minute, but before Naby could even get a hug from the manager, his replacement was down on the pitch getting his head checked. Fabinho’s brief stint was then ended with Jurgen Klopp replacing him with James Milner. Milner, Wijnaldum, Henderson. Milner… Wijnaldum… Henderson. Three midfielders that are beloved as individuals, but in combination, make grown men cry. Sort of anti-Thundercats in their own special way.
But, remember that Klopp versus Jesus on Easter Sunday comparison… Before anyone could say, Brexit Midfield, the serendipity of Milner entering the fray revealed itself. Mo Salah guided an innocent looking ball into the corner of the box, looked to pivot around Morrison, only for the Cardiff man to put him in a choke-hold. A penalty was given and, cometh the hour, cometh the man, James Milner put it home for an 0-2 lead.
There‘ll be plenty who will complain about Mo Salah’s penalty. In a vacuum, he didn’t have to go down, but if Mo wanted to ensure three points for The Reds he did exactly the right thing. The post-match fume from all corners, especially the opposing manager on the day will make this win even sweeter.
https://twitter.com/_chris_hurst_/status/1120005249069142016?s=21
Up The Easter Sunday Reds!