London: Liverpool’s James Milner converted a penalty on the stroke of half time and Sadio Mane added a late second goal to secure a hard-fought 2-0 win Monday at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
It was an accomplished performance from Juergen Klopp’s side who, with Virgil Van Dijk in commanding form at centre-half, looked solid at the back as well as a threat going forward.
Although they had to wait for Mane’s fine solo effort to wrap up the points in added on time, , Liverpool will be delighted that after a 4-0 opening day win over West Ham United they made it six points and two clean sheets from their opening two games.
Pre-season predictions had said Liverpool will be the main challengers to champions Manchester City for the title this season, Klopp said he had no interest in such talk.
“It’s very early. I couldn’t care less really. We are not in a race with other Premier League teams each weekend. I was not 100 per cent sure tonight in the first half that we would score,” said the German.
“Our target is to be a difficult opponent. It is too soon to say anything after two match days. You can discuss whatever you want – just do it without us,” added the coach.
It was an even game till the visitors earned a penalty when Mamadou Sakho was ruled to have tripped Mohammed Salah. Milner kept his cool to fire past Wayne Hennessey and send the Merseysiders into the break with the advantage.