The media were impressed by Liverpool’s character and by Naby Keita‘s performance in the 3-1 win at Burnley, but less so by Jurgen Klopp’s rotation.
The Reds produced a brilliant second-half comeback at Turf Moor to keep within touching distance of Man City.
After falling behind to Jack Cork’s tap-in, a quickfire double from James Milner and Roberto Firmino turned the game around, before Xherdan Shaqiri’s stoppage-time finished sealed a superb win.
It was a fantastic three points for Liverpool, also the perfect response to City’s win at Watford 24 hours earlier, and the Reds deserve big credit for fighting back and delivering under extra pressure.
Klopp will be delighted with his players’ efforts—but here’s how the media assessed the win.
Reporters were under no illusions as to how important the win was for Liverpool
The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle assessed the victory as “one of the biggest” of the season so far:
Whether this latest gutsy win proves the same, only time will tell. But this was arguably one of Liverpool’s biggest wins of the season, backing up their derby heroics of three days previous.
Writing for Goal.com, Neil Jones thought this result and the derby-day triumph over Everton could prove a decisive pair of victories by the time May comes around:
And if they are there in May, they’ll look back on the last few days and wonder just how crucial they can be. Their last-gasp win over Everton on Sunday was special, of course, but it needed following.
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Another box ticked, another away win, another gut-check passed by the men from Anfield.
Our own Joanna Durkan is in no doubt that the last two wins will provide a big morale boost to the squad and a springboard for the Reds to find top form in coming weeks:
Two games in the last three days has seen four goals hit the back of the net in the second half ensuring Liverpool left each game with three points in the bag.
With a hectic list of fixtures ahead, and decisive ones at that, the confidence and morale boost that provides cannot be discounted as the Reds continue on the path to find their rhythm.
The Independent’s Simon Hughes praised Liverpool’s consistency and composure in chasing City, noting that supporters should take real belief from the Reds’ business-like manner:
The Reds’ victories have been without the drama of the hunt or the excitement of the leads they build up. Instead they are creeping. Perhaps they are warming up.
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Rather than worry about City’s capacity to overwhelm, Liverpool and their supporters should be reassured by the manner with which progress is being made.
The media were impressed by the comeback and discussed the factors behind it
First of all, Standard Sports’ David Lynch thought it was vital that Liverpool showed they have the “force of will” to overcome set-backs:
But, perhaps most importantly, Klopp saw proof that his players possess the force of will necessary to overcome setbacks, no matter how rare they are, and no matter how many changes he makes.
Jones lauded Liverpool’s character and thinks it was the relentless desire to respond to Man City’s pace that drove the Reds on:
How’s that for character? What must Manchester City make of it all. Pep Guardiola’s side keep laying down the gauntlet and Liverpool keep on responding.
Our own Henry Jackson thought Klopp’s substitutions and desire for victory in being so positive with his changes were key to inspiring the turnaround:
He made substitutions at exactly the right time and it is his own winning mentality that inspired the second-half comeback.
The Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce assessed it was a night when Klopp’s shrewd recruitment shone through:
There is so much to admire about what Klopp has created and it comes down to shrewd recruitment. Naby Keita marked his first Premier League start for three months by delivering his most impressive performance for the Reds.
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Behind him Virgil van Dijk was an absolute colossus once again, while Alisson Becker was a commanding presence between the posts and pulled off another world-class save. That is one rock-solid and exciting spine.
There was lots of discussion and ultimately mixed views on Klopp’s heavy rotation
The Mirror’s Darren Wells, along with the entire media, felt Klopp’s changed XI struggled – adding that leaving out all of the regular front three was a step too far:
And it almost didn’t pay off.
Liverpool were sluggish in the first half, lacking any real spark as they failed to muster up any significant chances of note – proving the Reds can ill-afford to leave out any of their dangerous front three of Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino – none of whom started the match.
Pearce thought the decision to switch system to a flat 4-4-2 did little to help matters:
As well as the major overhaul in personnel, Klopp switched to a 4-4-2 formation with Milner on the left and Shaqiri on the right with Daniel Sturridge partnering Origi.
But it just didn’t function before the interval. The front two were largely starved of service.
Jones thought Klopp took a big gamble but praised the German for trusting his squad players to deliver:
Klopp’s idea was to gamble, to shuffle his pack in a busy period and hope his squad would prove strong enough and deep enough.
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It was hairy at times, but in the end the German was proven right. Credit where it’s due.
The Mail’s Jack Gaughan agreed with Klopp’s decision to make the changes, assessing this as the most suitable fixture to do so with tougher opponents up next:
Bournemouth away on Saturday lunchtime is an unenviable trip before that must-win Champions League game in Naples next week.
Klopp has prioritised those and, although that might look impolite to Sean Dyche, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where their rest should have come otherwise.
However, Wells again thought the performance showed Liverpool could lack the necessary depth to compete on all fronts and therefore should prioritise certain trophies to target:
Based on this performance, City still have the edge on them, and it may be that Liverpool have to prioritise one trophy, rather than try and compete for three, as the season goes on.
Durkan was unimpressed with the majority of those who came in and brutally concluded that certain squad players are “not of the level required”:
The squad is far from the finished article, but it was a reminder that certain players are not of the level required and further additions need to be made as the Reds’ usual suspects were called on to turn the game in Liverpool’s favour.
Jackson and Durkhan were particularly critical of the selection of Origi, both assessing it as a “romantic” decision rather than logical:
His selection came after his heroics at the death against Everton and the need to offer a rest to the usual front three, and it seems the decision to name him in the starting lineup was one borne out of emotion rather than logic.
The watching media were very impressed with Naby Keita’s performance
Durkhan felt the summer signing was the one player who took his chance, noting how the Guinean did a key job in linking midfield to attack:
Unlike a few of his team-mates who struggled to take their opportunity, Keita’s energy and forward impetus was a shining light in what was a largely dull first half.
He continually looked to put the Reds on the front foot and was not shy in matching Burnley’s physicality in the middle of the park or showcasing the ability we all know he has—which was crucial in addressing the lack of connection between the midfield and forwards in recent weeks.
ESPN’s Glenn Price was particularly impressed with Keita’s creativity from deep:
A very impressive performance. Despite playing a holding role, he was the most likely starter to unpick Burnley‘s guard. Had a long-range shot tipped onto the post by Joe Hart early in the second half and then started the move for Milner’s equaliser.
He will hope he can build from this.
And Wells was so impressed by Keita’s display that he assessed that the Guinean could be the difference between the Reds winning or missing out on silverware this season:
But the energetic Guinean produced a decent display in the hub of Liverpool’s midfield, and showed glimpses of the player he can be for the Reds – and almost scored.
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If Klopp can get him firing on all cylinders he could prove to be the difference as to whether Liverpool finish the season with a trophy or not.
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