Reds young guns shine at Anfield
ROLLING ON: SEEMS LIKE KLOPP CAN DO NO WRONG
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, it seems, can do no wrong after his youngsters vindicated his decision to rest his entire first-team squad by beating third-tier Shrewsbury Town 1-0 in their FA Cup fourth-round replay at Anfield on Tuesday.
Klopp, whose side are 22 points clear and heading for a first English league title for 30 years, was not even in attendance but would have been smiling as Ro-Shaun Williams’ unfortunate 75th-minute own goal sealed victory and a fifth-round clash with Chelsea.
Seven-times winners Liverpool, whose starting line-up was the youngest in the club’s history, were given a let-off as League One Shrewsbury, backed by 8000 fans, had a goal ruled out via VAR with the score 0-0.
But they were worthy winners and the youngsters received a standing ovation as they steered Liverpool into the fifth round for the first time since Klopp took over in 2015.
“It was just unbelievable,” 18-year-old Neco Williams said. “It was a night that we will remember for a long time.
“Hopefully we will do the same against Chelsea in the next round. Every team Liverpool put out will put everything out there on the pitch.”
Wayne Rooney will face his old club Manchester United in the fifth round after he netted a penalty for Derby County in their 4-2 win over fourth-tier Northampton Town.
Newcastle United edged past third-tier Oxford United 3-2 thanks to a superb extra-time winner by Allan Saint-Maximin.
Steve Bruce’s side, held at home, had been cruising with goals by Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
But Oxford hit back through Liam Kelly and Nathan Holland’s sublime volley in the fourth minute of stoppage time sent the tie into 30 minutes of extra time.
Newcastle have reached the fifth round for the first time since 2006 and will face Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
The night’s other replays were decided by penalties with Reading beating Cardiff after a 3-3 draw. Birmingham City edged out Coventry City when it finished 2-2 after extra time.
Reading host Sheffield United while Birmingham, who needed a stoppage time Harlee Dean equaliser, travel to Leicester City.
Liverpool, unbeaten in 40 games at Anfield in all competitions, are next in action away at Norwich City on February 15 when Klopp’s seniors return to continue their title procession. –