Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was delighted with the work put in by The Reds’ front three as his side had to show patience and professionalism to take all three points from Cardiff City last Sunday.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, the former Borussia Dortmund manager was keen to highlight the impact Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané had on the game thanks to their tireless effort and impeccable work-rate.
“I have to say, the three up front in such a difficult game, what they worked again, what they did – everybody worked, of course, like crazy – but in a game like this, the defensive attitude of our three up front, that was outstanding.
“And then on the other hand side, still having the creativity and the speed and the desire to be in these decisive moments up front and in their box.
“I really love that game, it was so difficult and the boys made it happen – super.”
Gini Wijnaldum opened the scoring in the second half with a brilliantly-taken finish from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner kick.
James Milner made it 2-0 to Liverpool after Sean Morrison had wrestled Salah to the ground inside the box.
The pressing from the front three meant that Cardiff City’s defence never had a moment’s rest within the game.
The Reds had 17 shots compared to The Bluebirds’ total of 7. Liverpool had 76% of possession with an 86% pass completion rate. Cardiff’s pass success rate was just 55%. Liverpool had 10 corners and Cardiff had 5.
As well as winning the penalty, Salah had four shots on goal with three of those on target. The Egyptian King won possession back from Cardiff on one occasion.
Firmino dispossessed the Cardiff defence three times while Mané won the ball back for The Reds a fantastic five times throughout the game.
Next up for Liverpool is Huddersfield Town at Anfield on Friday night before Klopp and his men then travel to face Barcelona at Camp Nou in the Champions League semi-final.
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