Ashly Dhani
JORDAN HENDERSON has labelled aspects of Liverpool’s 7-0 rout against Crystal Palace “sloppy” as the Reds backed up their midweek win against Spurs with a dominant display.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were in a ruthless mood yesterday afternoon as the Premier League champions demonstrated that they will take some beating for the title as they swept aside a sorry Palace at Selhurst Park. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah each got a brace, while Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino and Henderson added to the tally to give Klopp’s side breathing space at the top of the table.
The Reds captain was on the scoresheet as Jurgen Klopp’s men put in a devastating display.
But Henderson reflected that, while the Reds were ruthless, certain parts of Liverpool’s game was off the mark, characterising the meticulous nature of Klopp’s champions.
“I thought we were ruthless today,” the Liverpool captain told BT Sport.
“We took our chances which was so important. We dominated the game for large periods.
“I thought we were a little sloppy at times overall, but we were delighted with the result and the performance.
“To come here against a good team and to finish this week off with a win after midweek is important and we managed to do that.”
However, Henderson says his side could have done certain things better during the game.
Klopp’s side extended their lead at the top of the league table after yesterday’s victory.
The German gaffer will certainly be delighted with the response of his side following their dramatic win over title challengers Tottenham at Anfield.
Liverpool’s consistency saw them stroll to the title last season and Henderson is under no illusions that the good performances need to be maintained over the busy festive period.
“We have got to keep going and work hard. Over Christmas it’s difficult for everyone and we need to pick up the wins.”
Liverpool hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table ahead of the remaining games over the weekend.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson claimed this is a new experience for most of his squad and has vowed to bounce back from the significant disappointment.
Hodgson revealed in his Press conference: “There is nothing positive I can say. We were humiliated by the result; there is no question of that. We take it very, very badly.
“For most of us in the dressing room, we have never been on the end of a seven-nil defeat before, so that is a new experience and quite frankly I am sitting here in front of you and I can’t say anything positive to say.
“We just have to come over it because that’s what everyone has to do. There is no point in dwelling on it any longer than we really have to. We have to learn our lessons from it and I am sure we will.”
In a later game, Raheem Sterling scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season as Manchester City claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s.
After a spell of constant pressure, City broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when playmaker Kevin De Bruyne’s cross from the right wing found Sterling, who slotted the ball past Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
Southampton threatened to equalise through James Ward-Prowse’s set-piece deliveries, but the hosts lacked a focal point in attack after striker Danny Ings was forced off with an injury just five minutes before half-time.
De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva saw opportunities go begging as City failed to add to the scoreline in the second-half, but the visitors were composed at the back to seal victory and move up to fifth in the league table. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter