Liverpool did not have to wait long to avenge their Capital One Cup final defeat against Manchester City, beating the Citizens 3-0 at home on Wednesday to severely dent their Premier League title hopes.
Goals from Adam Lallana, James Milner and Roberto Firmino ensured that Liverpool exacted vengeance for their loss against Manchester City in the weekend. The Reds fell to a 3-1 defeat on penalties in the League Cup final, after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes of football. However, on Wednesday, Jurgen Klopp’s men knocked Manchester City aside with ease to claim a 3-0 victory.
The German coach was excited about his side’s aims in the remainder of the season after the match, and stressed on the need to stay focused going forward.
“I am too old to say: ‘Yes, we will play like this all the time’ – but you saw what is possible. Everyone who loves Liverpool could watch this game and forget for 93 minutes that we lost on Sunday,” said Klopp, according to the Guardian.
“Take whatever you can get – that is the target for the league. The most important moment of the season is now. We have to stay angry and to strike back in each game.”
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini claimed that the players were tired after their League Cup exertions three days ago. But Klopp shot down that argument, saying that this was something that affected both sides.
Liverpool in a fight for Europe
The Reds have been boosted by back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Premier League. They now have 41 points and an extra game in hand, since their match against Everton was postponed due to the League Cup Final.
Stoke City are ahead of them by just one point, and Liverpool could very realistically overtake them. However, getting beyond seventh place could be a challenge, given the kind of form that West Ham has been displaying. Liverpool will also have to keep an eye out for Southampton, and a resurgent Chelsea side who are hot on their heels.
