Who says that
pessimism doesn’t help a club succeed? Well, Paul Clement for one! An
unbelievable reversal of fortunes saw the Swans triumph over Liverpool at
Anfield for the first time ever in the league and give the new manager his
first Premier League win since taking over – what a way to do it eh?
There are a lot of talking points to discuss but one key
factor, for me, was the performance of Fernando Llorente. The Spaniard has been
linked all month with a move away from Swansea but put on a show that made it
clear that his future lies with us – a massive relief!
The first half was typically casual by both sides and there
was little to shout about save for Tom Carroll’s 20th minute effort
crashing against the post; it would’ve been some debut if his shot had avoided
Dejan Lovren. Not long before Carroll’s effort, Jordan Henderson picked out
Emre Can and the German was given far too much space to pick his header;
thankfully it was an atrocious effort that spun over the bar.
And, of course, let’s not forget Adam Lallana firmly
believing he’s a better footballer than his overall performances suggest.
Lallana’s overhead effort ended up so far into the stands I’d be surprised if
the ball made it back onto the pitch…
The first half defensive display was actually very promising
overall. Far less errors to mention and the back line looked organised – I can’t
help but think Martin Olsson’s experience has given structure to the back four.
The second half really kicked into life when Dejan Lovren
handed us a corner under very little pressure and Fernandez’ unchallenged
header dropped the ball nicely for Llorente to, quite literally, poke home. It
might not be the best goal Fernando ever scores but it might end up being one
of his favourites.
Two minutes passed and Liverpool looked all over the place.
I can’t believe how easily Olsson’s deft touch managed to set Tom Carroll off
down the left and how superb the young midfielder’s cross was for Llorente to
power home – a flash of sheer brilliance from the Swans and proof of Carroll’s
quality.
Sadly, the wave of excitement caused us to lose our heads
about 60 seconds after Llorente’s second as Roberto Firmino got the better of
Olsson to head past Fabianski. A glimmer of hope for the hosts saw Klopp
replace the largely ineffective Coutinho with the fragile Daniel Sturridge and
it was game on again as we rawked up to the other end only for Mawson to head
Gylfi’s cross narrowly wide.
Irritatingly, Wijnaldum remembered briefly how to play
football and delivered a cross of world class standards for Firmino to pluck
out of the air before hammering the ball home. Pundits are hailing it as a
contender for goal of the season but I prefer a half volley to hit top bins
rather than scythe into the bottom corner – not fantastic control but a goal
nonetheless.
The goal of the game came for Swansea to be honest (no
bias!) as Tom Carroll played a huge part in another goal. His pass might’ve
deflected into Sigurdsson’s path but it still reached its intended target and
Gylfi made a mockery of Simon Mingolet by lifting the ball straight over the
on-rushing Belgian.
In summary? Liverpool never led the game and never looked
capable of doing so. Fernando Llorente looks content and rejuvenated and
Clement’s new signings look like just the class of player we need in the race
for Premier League survival – great day all round.
