Joe Cole was left incredibly impressed by one Liverpool star, who completed more dribbles than anyone else against Sunderland.
Liverpool end Sunderland’s unbeaten home run
It’s a tough ask coming away with all three points at the Stadium of Light these days and it’s even tougher when you’re enduring the season that Liverpool are.
Fresh from a dramatic collapse against Manchester City at Anfield, however, the Reds put in a resilient, professional display to dispatch of Sunderland and end the Black Cats’ unbeaten home run.
Virgil van Dijk’s goal was certainly well-timed. In the same week that both Manchester United and Chelsea dropped points, victory was simply a must for Arne Slot‘s side as he looked to ease the pressure in the sack race.
They could have made things far more comfortable, too. Hugo Ekitike headed just wide of the post in the second-half, Florian WIrtz hit the post in the first and there was a general feeling of control that the Reds have lacked all season.
The big negative for Slot will be the injury to Wataru Endo. The experienced Japanese international became the latest makeshift right-back to be struck down and stretchered off, forcing Joe Gomez to return ahead of schedule.
Whilst Dominik Szoboszlai is back from suspension against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup this weekend, there’s no doubt that Slot could do without yet another defensive injury.
What the Dutchman will appreciate is the performance of several stars. Ibrahima Konate, who has had his struggles, won a tough battle against the nuisance that is Brian Brobbey, whilst Ekitike earned plenty of praise even without a goal to his name.
Joe Cole wowed by “breathtaking” Ekitike
Even when he’s not on the scoresheet, Ekitike’s presence leading the line is one that Liverpool need week in, week out these days – especially without the injured and otherwise underfiring Alexander Isak.
The Frenchman was once again at the centre of praise when he skipped past Daniel Ballard with ease and Joe Cole couldn’t help but watch on in awe. The former Liverpool and Chelsea man described the forward as “breathtaking” before he went onto complete more dribbles than anyone else on the pitch (3).
|
Ekitike vs Sunderland |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Minutes |
88 |
|
Shots |
3 |
|
Dribbles Completed |
3 |
|
Chances Created |
1 |
A lot has been made about Liverpool’s summer transfer window. After spending over £400m, a lot more was rightly expected of the defending champions. Ekitike is one man who should not be under fire, however.
Liverpool leading race to sign big Mac Allister upgrade in £100m deal
Liverpool have had major problems in central midfield this season.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man has settled from his very first game and with 15 goals in 33 games in all competitions, there’s no denying that he’s been the Reds’ signing of the campaign.
Liverpool have closed the gap on top four to three points, making up for defeat against Man City last time out.
