Liverpool treat Anfield to three frantic points

Both sides came into the Premier League matchday 32 needing a win to settle some final end-of-season run-in nerves. Klopp's men had their sights set to Villa's sixth spot, in their endless quest for European football. As for Forest, three points would've taken them out of the dreaded drop, leap-frogging Everton into 17th spot.

It certainly would've been a frustrating half for the hosts, with the visitors forcing them into the dressing room at half-time goalless. They had certainly enjoyed the better of the first period's chances, with Van Dijk forcing Costa Rican keeper Navas into a superb save to tip his header out for a corner. As more set-pieces came for Liverpool, the net still wasn't bulging. The closest they did get was off a Gakpo shot which ended up being well cleared off the line.

As for Steve Cooper's men, they couldn't find enough rhythm to break down the Reds' defence, gifting Alisson a quiet first forty-five between the Anfield sticks. Everyone associated with Liverpool will be disappointed with the lifeless performance, especially when faced with the possession stats: 82% vs 14%.

Klopp's known for his inspirational team-talks, and whatever he said at half-time must have done the trick. The Kop exploded just two minutes into the second period after Jota headed home from point-blank range for the opener. While the home fans were still on cloud nine, the away side were keen to take that joy away.

And it was ex-Red Williams who was the protagonist for the tie's second. After a good break, the youngster struck from outside the box, with his shot deflecting off Robertson, taking it past a helpless Alisson. This was not the end of the madness, however, as Jota was soon on hand to put the hosts back in front with the finest he's scored in a while. He cushioned the ball over the top down with his chest before clinically volleying home past Navas.

The second half was far from over, however. Soon after Liverpool were back under the cosh when Forest attacked. Gibbs-White was the next to add his name to the scoresheet after he acrobatically volleyed in from a corner, keeping Alisson rooted to the spot. If anything, this gave the hosts yet more fire, with them immediately turning their anger into attack. Alexander-Arnold soon had the chance to create something with a teasing free-kick, as he was back to his best, feeding Salah in to fire home for the third.

Much to the home fans' relief, that was the end of the scoring for both sides. Despite a surge of late pressure from the visitors, they could do nothing to stop the Liverpool juggernaut. This win keeps Liverpool European ambitions alive, as they bump up to 6th spot. As for the side in yellow, they remain in penultimate position, with only the Saints worse placed than them.

 

April 22, 2023