Anfield goes Sturr crazy
FOR all the focus on the twelfth man propelling Liverpool forward, inspiring those in red to new heights, it remains the one on the touchline who is providing the real impetus.
Jurgen Klopp can try and cede the spotlight, pointing to the power emanating from the stands rather than to himself, but the emergence of a new force continues to bear his image.
On a night that felt as raucous as any Anfi eld has witnessed, Liverpool’s passage into the Europa League fi nal owed everything to the tactical tweaks that their manager implemented to see off Villarreal’s stubborn challenge.
When Daniel Sturridge steered home Roberto Firmino’s astute pass in the 64th minute to double his side’s advantage, and edge them into the lead on aggregate, it was the culmination of a master plan that worked a treat.
The visitors, reduced to 10 men when Victor Ruiz was dismissed with 19 minutes remaining for a second booking, could muster no response – with Adam Lallana wrapping up victory with a clever fi nish after a good run by Firmino .
Emre Can, back just three weeks after rupturing ankle ligaments in the thrilling win over Borussia Dortmund in the last round and a colossus in midfi eld, set up the fi rst when he cleverly switched play with a piercing pass that ushered Nathaniel Clyne down the right.
A centre arrowed invitingly across the goalmouth brushed the fi ngertips of Villarreal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but only reached the lurking Firmino at the back post.
When it was played back into the six- yard box, Sturridge failed to fi nd the telling touch but was relieved when the ball instead hit Bruno and bobbled into the back of the net. The Kop erupted.
Lallana chased down lost causes, Dejan Lovren launched into tackles as if his life depended on it and it was easy to overlook amid the tumult that before the reward the visitors’ had indicated they could be a threat too.
Just four minutes had gone when Roberto Soldado chested Cedric Bakambu’s cross down for Jonathan Dos Santos and his shot was expertly repelled low down by Simon Mignolet. Dos Santos then scooped an effort wastefully over after Bakambu’s surging run, but, for someone who is much maligned, Mignolet’s save was crucial .
James Milner’s threaded pass brilliantly picked out the forward run of Lallana, but the fi nal touch was frustratingly elusive and drifted wide .
Coach Marcelino was a picture on the touchline. Imploring his players to calm down one moment and then jabbing his fi ngers in the direction of Klopp – and any number of Liverpool’s backroom staff – the next, as he screamed conspiracy that it was only his players who were being penalised in a blood and thunder contest.
He was out of his seat again immediately after the restart only this time in hope and expectation.
Soldado’s cute lay- off created an opening for Bakambu, but before he could unleash a shot Lovren’s sliding challenge blocked off the chance. It had been Lovren’s last- gasp goal against
Dortmund that had sealed a bumpy passage into the last four and he was no less impressive here, confi rming a renaissance due largely to Klopp’s handling of him.
In response, Philippe Coutinho, Milner and Sturridge all tested Areola before the defi ning moment arrived. Lallana’s attempt at a cross was ricocheted to Firmino on the edge of the penalty area and his pass was a delight; dissecting Mateo Musacchio and Jaume Costa perfectly and leaving Sturridge with only Areola to beat. The outcome was never in doubt as the striker slid the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper with aplomb.
In time this might be remembered as the night when one more doubter became a believer.
The evening when Klopp was fi nally seduced by Sturridge’s ability to make the difference whatever the other shortcomings he believes he possesses. Yet he was more interested in dispatching substitute Lucas to chide Alberto Moreno for a needless push in the area on Denis Suarez. For once, Liverpool were not to make life diffi cult for themselves.
LIVERPOOL ( 4- 2- 3- 1): Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Toure, Moreno; Milner, Can; Lallana, Firmino ( Benteke 90), Coutinho ( Allen 83); Sturridge ( Lucas 90). Booked: Clyne. Goals: Bruno 7 og, Sturridge 63, Lallana 81. VILLARREAL ( 4- 4- 2): Areola; Gaspar, Musacchio, Ruiz, Costa; Dos Santos ( Bonera 73), Pina ( Trigueros 60), Bruno, Suarez; Soldado ( Adrian 69), Bakambu. Booked: Ruiz, Soldado, Suarez. Sent off: Ruiz 71. Referee: V Kassai ( Hungary).