LONDON • Jurgen Klopp claimed destiny will decide whether Liverpool win the Premier League, after Divock Origi's "fairy-tale" winner at Newcastle ensured the title race will go to the final day of the season.
Despite losing Mohamed Salah to a head knock in the second half, his replacement headed home Xherdan Shaqiri's free kick for a 3-2 away victory. It enabled the Reds to regain a two-point lead over Manchester City with one game left.
Afterwards, Klopp said his players had done their part in a bid to end a 29-year English title drought by "qualifying for our final on Sunday against Wolves".
He said: "What can I say? It's just brilliant. That was really a big moment. I accepted long ago that we will do everything, absolutely everything, and the boys will throw whatever they have on the pitch.
"We do everything, we cannot do more. Can you get more than 94 points? Not really. The boys tried everything, even when we had the draws, they tried everything to win.
"The boys showed in each second that they really want to win it. We knew what we had to do and the boys did it in a very difficult game.
"Credit to Newcastle. Wow. If people doubt the teams that don't play for anything any more, that they are halfway on the beach already, that was the opposite."
12
Liverpool's Premier League goals by substitutes this season, more than any other team.
With Barcelona visiting Anfield tomorrow for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, the manager had a difficult balancing act to strike, making four changes to the side that lost 3-0 at the Nou Camp last week.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of those recalled and he was to have an eventful evening at both ends, adding two assists to take his season's tally to 11, the same as Andy Robertson on the opposite flank.
His corner found Virgil van Dijk completely unmarked to open the scoring for his fifth goal of the term.
But Newcastle levelled with their first serious attack after Salomon Rondon's shot was saved on the line by Alexander-Arnold's arm, only for Christian Atsu to put the rebound away.
After surviving Ayoze Perez's strike that smashed off the crossbar, Liverpool took a 2-1 lead into the break with Salah's cushioned finish off Alexander-Arnold's cross.
Rondon equalised early in the second half and the game looked set for a draw - until Origi came to the rescue, just as he did with a late winner against Everton in December.
The blot on a thrilling night at St James' Park was confirmation that one of their "Fab Three", Roberto Firmino, would miss the Barcelona clash with a groin injury.
Klopp, though, was more hopeful over Salah's availability, adding: "Mo got the hip of the goalie in his head and then was on the ground.
"When we came in (after), he was sitting in the dressing room and had watched the game.
"He was then fine but, of course, we have to wait. He got a proper knock in that situation."
Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could have taken charge of Newcastle for the last time at home.
The Spaniard's contract runs out this summer and his four seasons at the club have been clouded by a frosty relationship with owner Mike Ashley.
He said: "It is so simple, you can see the potential. I am really proud and pleased we stayed up, but I would like to do something more."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE GUARDIAN
Football: PSG buy Argentina midfielder Paredes for estimated
There are those who suggest the oft-revered magic of the FA Cup has been lost in modern football and to some extent, there may be some truth to that sentiment. Memories of Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa fade in the minds of those, dare I say, old enough to have witnessed them first-hand, while
Magic of the FA Cup alive and well, Football News & Top
Chelsea can cope with transfer ban, says Sarri. celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove
Chelsea Can Cope With Transfer Ban - Sarri | Sportnaija
Football: Wolves deepen Cardiff's relegation plight with 2-0 win
Jun 01, 2019 · The Reds made a goal from Mohamed Salah in the second minuted stand up for the entire match en route to the win. In final test before Women's World Cup, U.S. flexes depth in 3-0 win over Mexico.
World Cup - Four Reds in Quarter Final
More than just Ronaldo! Portugal could be ready to dominate after claiming first-ever Nations League And just by being there, Ronaldo puts fear in the heart of the opposition. Andre Silva
Ronaldo and Silva shine as Portugal dominate best Nations
Football News -LONDON (AFP) - Jurgen Klopp has vowed that Liverpool will remain positive as they battle for the Premier League title despite a wobble that has enabled Manchester City to seize the
Liverpool staying positive despite blip, says Klopp - World
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/03/05/liverpool-staying-positive-despite-blip-says-klopp/
Liverpool staying positive despite blip, says Klopp AFP March 5, 2019 AFP No Comments London (AFP) - Jurgen Klopp has vowed that Liverpool will remain positive as they battle for the Premier League title despite a wobble that has enabled Manchester City to seize the initiative.
Liverpool staying positive despite blip, says Klopp -football
UEFA says anti-racism protocol not followed in Koulibaly case. correct anti-racism protocol had not been followed during the Italian league game to abuse during the game before he was sent
UEFA says anti-racism protocol not followed in Koulibaly case
Everton ride luck for 2-0 victory at home to Bournemouth
Football: Spurs beaten for first time in new stadium, Southampton stay up Tottenham's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min applauds the crowd at the end of the match. PHOTO: AFP
Premier League: Tottenham beaten for the first time in new
Teenage sensation Moise Kean scored the winner to put Juventus one step away from an eighth consecutive Serie A title on Saturday as a 2-1 comeback win over AC Milan pushed the champions 21 points
Moise Kean puts Juventus on brink of Serie A title - Daily Nation
Football: Wayne Rooney bags first MLS hat-trick in D.C. romp over Real Salt Lake LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Former England and Manchester United football star Wayne Rooney scored three goals on Saturday (March 16) night to lead D.C. United to a crushing 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake.
Rooney bags first MLS hat trick in D.C. romp - worldfootball.net
Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. Easily share your publications and get them in front of Issuu's
Eden Hazard late show rescues Chelsea in Wolves draw Eden Hazard spared the under-fire Sarri's blushes with his thunderous stoppage-time equaliser, but it was still a frustrating day for the
Football: Hazard late show rescues Chelsea in Wolves draw
Manchester City celebrated their domestic treble with an open-top bus parade on Monday, drawing an estimated 100,000 fans to the streets of the city centre. Pep Guardiola's City side became the
Treble winners Manchester City enjoy parade | football
0 comments:
Post a Comment