The away match in the 26th round of the English Premier League was not easy for the reigning champion Liverpool. Sunderland was very tough at home, even their 12-game unbeaten streak at home was “alive” until tonight. But the Merseysiders were patient until the end, did not stop the pressure and delivered the decisive blow at the right time.
The most important moment of the game came in the 61st minute. Set pieces are Liverpool's old weapon, and Van Dijk is the most reliable “arrow” of this weapon. The defender opened the scoring with a clear pass, and it was this goal that brought the guests 3 points - 0:1. Thus, Slot's team put an end to Sunderland's long unbeaten home run.
In general, it is worth highlighting the character of Sunderland in this match: the hosts positioned themselves correctly in defense, intensified the fight in the center of the field, there were fierce duels for every meter. Liverpool, on the other hand, in their own way - slowly "cooking" the situation, gradually increasing the pressure. Someone may say that "1:0 is not enough", but such games determine both the championship mood and the team's spirit: away, on a difficult field, with one goal - but with a result.
Sunderland - Liverpool 0:1
Goal: van Dijk (61).
Sunderland — Rufs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete (Gertruida, 80), Mandawa, Le Fe, Sadiki, Ham (Mandl, 80), Diarra (Izidor, 90+2), Angulo (Talbi, 80), Brobby.
Liverpool — Alisson, Endo (Gomez, 69), Konate, van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberh, McAllister, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo (Jones, 75), Ekitike (Kieza, 88).
Warning: Mandawa (24).
Another match of the tour left the fans in "honest shock". Burnley seemed to be in a desperate situation at Crystal Palace: Larsen scored twice in the 17th and 33rd minutes to put the hosts 2-0 ahead. Just when the mood in the stadium was that “it’s all over”, the visitors turned the whole scenario upside down in the 7th minute.
In the 40th minute, Mejbri reduced the score to 2-1. In the 44th minute, Anthony equalized - 2-2. And the most dramatic moment: in the 45th + 2nd minute, Lerma’s own goal put Burnley ahead - 2-3! Yes, there is no “fantasy” here - this is the strictest law of football: you relax, you are punished.
Crystal Palace - Burnley 2:3
Goals: Larsen (17, 33) - Mejbri (40), Anthony (44), Lerma (45+2, own goal).
The conclusion is the same: these two matches in the 26th round gave the fans two different emotions - one was a "hard-fought victory" that came with patience, and the other was a "crazy comeback" that exploded in a few minutes. With such victories, Liverpool is sending a signal to the above-mentioned opponents that "I'm still in the game." Burnley, on the other hand, proved that if you don't stop fighting, you can get out of even the most difficult situation. In football, sometimes 7 minutes are like a whole season, no question.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
