Liverpool supporters could relax in their match Monday vs Bournemouth as the outcome of the 9-0 victory was decided well before the final whistle. Not so with the midweek match against Newcastle United. In fact, even though the Reds earned 3 points on both occasions, this one was the polar opposite as the outcome was not decided until Fabio Carvalho's 98th-minute strike lifted the Reds to a 2-1 victory.
"I was just there in the right area and happily it felt for me,” Carvalho said in an interview with BT Sport after the match. “We stuck to the game plan, kept going, kept pushing and finally we did get the goal and the well-deserved three points.”
A Bad Habit
Liverpool has made a habit of conceding first in EPL matches. In fact, the Reds have surrendered the opening goal in 7 out of their last 8 league contest. That happened again against Newcastle when newly acquired striker Alexander Isak scored in the 38th minute to leave Liverpool down 1-0 at the half.
The Comeback Kings
In those eight matches where Liverpool have conceded first, only once have they failed to rally and earn a result (earlier this season against Manchester United). Roberto Firmino scored the equalizer in the 61st minute but the home side was far from finished as they would rally in dramatic fashion.
It Aint Over ‘till It's Over
This famous saying from American baseball legend Yogi Berra perfectly personifies this Liverpool club. They play to the final whistle. According to an article in The Daily Mail, the Reds have scored the most stoppage time goals in EPL history.
“I was really happy in the moment when we got this last corner in the 98th minute,” Jürgen Klopp said. “What Mo and Fabio made then of it was obviously absolutely outstanding, a wonderful goal. A perfect moment; that we scored it after 98 minutes, I thought, is the perfect response to everything that happened during the game.”
LFC Globe Verdict
Any Liverpool supporter is going to want to watch the highlights of this match over and over again. They can do so by clicking here.
It may only be the 5th match of the season, but the importance of this win can not be overstated. Carvalho may have just saved Liverpool's chances of claiming an EPL at the end of the campaign, I know darby matches are supposed to be an exciting crosstown rivalry and the Reds play Everton next, but I'm not sure this match can be topped.
Goals
- Alexander Isak (38')
- Roberto Firmino (61')
- Fabio Carvalho (90'+8')