Liverpool kept up their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Cardiff on Sunday.
The visitors were on the front foot from the start, but they found it difficult to break down a highly-organised Cardiff defence. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah had the best chances of the first half, but Firmino's effort sailed over the bar from close range and Neil Etheridge was on hand to save from Salah.
Liverpool continued to mount increasing pressure on the Cardiff goal straight after the interval and deservedly opened the scoring through
CARDIFF
Key Talking Point
Cardiff's win over Brighton in midweek has given Neil Warnock's side a genuine chance at beating the drop this season - something no one predicted would be possible back in August.
They came into this one knowing that a point would suffice and, given the quality that Liverpool possess, you can't blame Warnock for adopting a conservative approach. It took just one lapse in concentration to ultimately undo the Bluebirds and, if they were able to take one of chances they were able to fashion, they could have walked away with at least a point.
With fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace still to come, Cardiff's fight to remain in the Premier League is far from over just yet.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Etheridge (6); Peltier (6), Morrison (5), Manga (7), Bennett (6); Gunnarsson (6), Ralls (5), Camarasa (5); Mendez-Laing (7*), Hoilett (6), Niasse (5).
Substitutes: Zohore (5), Bacuna (5), Murphy (N/A).
Star Man -
Mendez-Laing has got Alexander-Arnold on toast right now.#CARLIV
— Owen Price (@IAmOwenPrice) April 21, 2019
Mendez Laing is quick ♂️
— David Meyler (@DavidMeyler) April 21, 2019
Mendez-Laing just left Alexander-Arnold for dead. Has he got a jet pack on?
— Elliot Hackney (@ElliotHackney) April 21, 2019
LIVERPOOL
Key Talking Point
As is going to be the case for every game between now and the end of the season, the stipulations were clear for Liverpool - nothing less than a win would do.
The Reds have often found it difficult to break down deep-lying defences this season and it initially looked as if it was going to be another frustrating afternoon after a tricky first half. Undeterred, Jurgen Klopp's side stuck to the game plan and ultimately reaped the rewards which was no more than they deserved on the balance of play.
It wasn't 'heavy metal' football by any means, but it doesn't matter one bit in the grand scheme of things. The Reds will now be hoping that Manchester United can do them a favour in the Manchester derby on Wednesday.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (5), Matip (7), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (6); Wijnaldum (6), Henderson (6), Keita (6); Salah (5), Mane (6), Firmino (5).
Substitutes: Fabinho (N/A), Milner (6), Gomez (N/A).
Star Man - Joel Matip
Matip wouldn't have played much of a part in Liverpool's season if it weren't for Joe Gomez's unfortunate injury, but he has stepped up to the plate since taking the youngster's place in the back four.
He put in an excellent performance in this one and, surprisingly, looked even more secure than Virgil van Dijk at the back. Gomez is nearing full fitness, but there is absolutely no reason he should be selected ahead of Matip based on recent form.
Matip with five yards of space in front of him pic.twitter.com/6kDJ9gWVuj
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) April 21, 2019
Matip has been excellent over the last few months and again today, doesn't get the credit he deserves #CARLIV #liverpool #SuperSunday
— Ed Braz (@EddieBraz10) April 21, 2019
Matip looks a CB who can play in midfield 樂樂樂
— #UNBELIVERPOOL !! (@KwekuDankyi) April 21, 2019
Looking Ahead
Cardiff's battle to beat the drop continues on Saturday as they travel to face Fulham, whilst Liverpool are back in action against Huddersfield on Friday night.
Source: 90min