Liverpool took apart Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday, but did the injury to Divock Origi actually save Jurgen Klopp at Anfield?
Jurgen Klopp, by his own admission, knows Liverpool were poor in the first quarter against Newcastle at Anfield. While an injury to Divock Origi looked to compound the sluggish start, the introduction of Roberto Firmino was crucial to the win.
The Reds went a goal down early and allowed Newcastle to play exactly how they wanted to; compact, deep, behind the ball. There were little signs of life in the early exchanges and it took a spectacular finish from Sadio Mane after 28 minutes to tie the game.
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Even on level terms the Reds were not creating many clear opportunities. Then some bad luck led to some good luck.
Divock Origi left the field with an injury after 32 minutes and Roberto Firmino was brought on as his replacement. The Brazilian had played two friendlies for his international side the previous week and was rested for this Premier League fixture to help recover from the exertions and the traveling.
His impact was immediate. He threaded a beautiful pass behind the Newcastle back four that Mane ended up bundling over after an initial save from the goalkeeper to give the Reds a lead they would carry until the final whistle.
Liverpool dominated the second half and Firmino’s magic was on display once more with a peach of an assist with a back-heel flick for Mohamed Salah to wrap up the game for 3-1.
I think Klopp’s side has shown enough resilience to indicate they would have achieved a win without Firmino playing 60 minutes but there is no doubt that Origi’s injury led to the game being easier than had he come on in the second half with the game still at 1-1.
Sometimes injuries can derail a game, or even a season. And occasionally they can save a game, or maybe even a season. Either way, Liverpool are top of the league and I don’t really care how they stay there as long as they do.