KLOPP JACKPOT
F or target-man Origi brings rich reward
LIVERPOOL
the goal rose as one to salute their team in defeat at the final whistle.
United started and finished on the front foot. Oli Mcburnie forced Adrian into an early save and Callum Robinson’s snap shot flew just wide.
The colossus that is Virgil van Dijk made the first of a number of vital interventions to thwart John Lundstram before Andy Robertson threw himself into harm’s way to block the United No.7’s blast.
It illustrated how tough Liverpool were finding it that they didn’t threaten until the 34th minute. Even then it was a choreographed move.
Adrian’s long pass was in-step with Mane’s lightning dash inside Chris Basham, but the winger connected with his shin as he attempted to lift the ball over Henderson and was well off target. Mane was wasteful again just before half-time when he hit the post after unselfishly being set up by Salah and Firmino after the home side had been carved open on the break.
Van Dijk continued to show why he’s the world’s best defender after the break.
Brave
The Dutchman was like a magnet cutting out two dangerous crosses by the outstanding John Fleck.
When another brave Robertson block left Fleck frustrated, it seemed Klopp didn’t know whether to tear into his players or the fourth official. At one point he appeared to be doing both.
Once the Liverpool boss gathered his thoughts, he decided that his skipper must make way for Origi (right). It was a big moment in the game – and perhaps the title race.
Blades keeper Henderson, the e England Under-21 international spendding another season on- loan from m Manchester United, might not be wellcomed back at Old Trafford for a while e after making the mistake that sealed d the game.
He did redeem himself slightly by y standing up tall to block Salah’s effort rt with his feet after the Egyptian had d pounced on Lundstram’s loose pass.
But when Fleck unlocked Liverpool ol again late on, substitute Leon Clarke e couldn’t produce the finish which would d have seen him mark his top-flight debut ut at the age of 34 with an equaliser. CHRIS CH HUGHTON is the No.1 choice at Stoke St City to replace beleaguered boss bo Nathan Jones.
The Potters are still without a le league win this season with seven de defeats and two draws from their op opening nine matches.
And that has left Jones in a perilous po position that is likely to see him axed by the next international break in two w weeks’ time.
Hughton, who has been out of work si since Brighton sacked him in the su summer, is the top target for Britannia St Stadium bigwigs.
Former Manchester United and Ev Everton boss David Moyes is also in th the frame as Stoke chiefs want an ex experienced hand to come in and lift th the club.