Gini Wijnaldum‘s well-worked goal in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Cardiff was huge and Jurgen Klopp says it was a set-piece his players planned at half-time.
The Reds went into the game a point adrift of Man City and therefore knowing that only a victory would do in their quest for a maiden Premier League title.
It was always likely to be a tough game against a Cardiff side battling for their lives and there was some concern at half-time with the scoreline goalless.
Liverpool produced a strong second-half showing, though, and it was Wijnaldum who opened the scoring in style, in front of the ecstatic away supporters.
The Dutchman finished ruthlessly from Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s low corner, but at the time it wasn’t clear if the youngster had mishit his delivery or not.
Klopp – whose side have scored more goals from set-pieces than any other in the Premier League – ended that debate after the final whistle, explaining how his players had planned it during the interval.
Liverpool have scored more goals via corners (13) than any other side in the #PL this season ?#CARLIV pic.twitter.com/3VGY0t5NuN
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 21, 2019
“We put a lot of emphasis on set-pieces,” explained the boss in his post-match press conference.
“We knew that Cardiff is outstandingly strong from offensive set pieces but we knew that from time to time they have some problems with defensive set pieces.
“The boys obviously found out, if you make all these runs on the pitch, no camera angle is as good as your own view.
“They decided to play that flat ball and Gini could make that run with all the blocks.
Still, you have to hit the ball like this – a brilliant goal, I loved it!”
Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp said: “The boys decided this at half time in the dressing room, they saw the space on set pieces.”
It is testament to the focus and intelligence that exists in this current Reds squad, picking holes in the opposition to devastating effect.
The pressure is now back on City, who visit Man United on Wednesday night, with Liverpool supporters actually cheering on their bitter rivals for once.
Failure to win for City would put the Reds in the driving seat with three matches remaining, ahead of the visit of Huddersfield to Anfield on Friday evening.
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