Second half goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner fired Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over relegation battling Cardiff City on Sunday.
Liverpool reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League table from Manchester City, as they defeated Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City 2-0 away from home this weekend.
Liverpool, as expected, were the dominant side in the contest from the get-go, but failed to convert it into goals in the first period as Roberto Firmino missed a great chance, while Mohamed Salah was denied by the Cardiff keeper. The Bluebirds had the chance to break the deadlock on the verge of half-time, but Oumar Niasse was denied by Alisson in the Reds’ goal.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Liverpool finally got the breakthrough, as Georginio Wijnaldum fired in a fierce effort into the back of the net from within the box. The Reds should have been 2-0 soon after, but captain Jordan Henderson fired over the bar, while at the other end Cardiff skipper Sean Morrison failed to connect his header cleanly with an open goal staring at him.
Liverpool managed to put the game to bed ten minutes from time as substitute James Milner dispatched a nerveless penalty after Salah had been brought down in the box by Morrison. The win sent Liverpool back to the summit of the Premier League, giving them a two-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. Here’s how the Reds’ supporters reacted to the victory.
Another critical three points today for Liverpool, with only three matches to go. We keep fighting on. #CARLIV #cleansheet pic.twitter.com/VkfC9m998G
— Linda Pizzuti Henry (@Linda_Pizzuti) April 21, 2019
So many leaders on the pitch for Liverpool, team of grafters, Klopp has created it, Great time to be Red, Great days to come, Up The Reds ?
— Darren Farley (@DFImpressionist) April 21, 2019
The best Liverpool team in the Premier League era. Walk around them.
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) April 21, 2019
LIVERPOOL TOP OF THE LEAGUE LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL TOP OF THE LEAGUE
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) April 21, 2019
LIVERPOOL!!!! ??????
— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) April 21, 2019
I’m so happy! @LFC ?❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Yungen (@YungenPlayDirty) April 21, 2019
Sun continues to shine on Liverpool. Plucky, resilient performance under huge pressure. Matip superb this afternoon, completely made the CB role his own. Wijnaldum goal straight from the training ground. Huge three points. #LFCdigest pic.twitter.com/VwK8olgUXs
— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) April 21, 2019
Back to where we belong #YNWA #LIVERPOOL ??? https://t.co/h9lIXFSJSm
— CarteR SpartaN (@jrcarter365) April 21, 2019
This is the best Liverpool team I’ve ever seen in my lifetime.
— José (@Joseph_Ellis9) April 21, 2019
This team is unbelievable! If Man City win the PL, they will have well-and-truly earned it, as I can’t see my team handing it to them!! #Liverpool #CARLIV
— Andy Clynch (@AndyClynch) April 21, 2019
Wijnaldum was at the heart of Liverpool’s victory on Sunday, scoring the all-important winner and producing an all-round display in the middle of the park. Joel Matip also put in a colossal display at the heart of the defence, earning a lot of praise from the supporters.
Georginio Wijnaldum vs. Cardiff City:
• 96% pass accuracy
• 4/7 duels won
• 2 interceptions
• 100% tackles won
• 1 goal
• 2/3 dribblesLiverpool’s unsung hero, orchestrating the midfield. pic.twitter.com/4RiCEZ08En
— Futbol Scout (@FutboIScout) April 21, 2019
Wijnaldum is such a criminally good midfielder on his day
— ANI? (@jaenil) April 21, 2019
A thunderous hit from Gini Wijnaldum off Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner for the opener. The midfielder’s away goals are worth the wait!
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) April 21, 2019
WIJNALDUM IS EACH ONE OF US RIGHT NOW. THIS MEANS EVERYTHING!!
— An (@RoyalAnfield) April 21, 2019
Wijnaldum vs. Cardiff
96% Pass accuracy
1 Key pass
1 Goal
1/1 Shot on target
1/2 Dribbles complete
1/1 Tackles won
2 Interceptions
0 Losses of possessionPlaying in a deeper role, Liverpool’s Mr Reliable didn’t disappoint. Press resistant, calm and composed. His goal was superb pic.twitter.com/tM7wgtLjb0
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) April 21, 2019
Think we should all just take a second to appreciate Joel Matip.
Entered the season as 4th choice and with plenty of doubters, yet has stepped up, been consistently solid and made the position his own.
A top player. pic.twitter.com/0JDYU9Ai46
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) April 18, 2019
Joel Matip deserved man of the match been excellent
— John Gibbons (@johngibbonsblog) April 21, 2019
Joel Matip MOTM. Well deserved. We always praise Van Dijk but Matip has been exceptional as well.
— Rukhsar. (@rukhsarahmed786) April 21, 2019
Joel Matip is top 5 CBs in the league
— Shaun (@ShaunlfcT) April 21, 2019
