Swansea 0-1 Liverpool: Sowing confidence before the big match with Man Utd

The Reds had a minimal but important victory on March 16, continuing to keep the fire burning in the race for a ticket to the Champions League.

The first half of the match left Liverpool fans restless because of the dominance of the home team Swansea. Concerns that Brendan Rodgers and his team were holding themselves back in the final stages of the season began to appear. However, after the break, confidence gradually replaced anxiety. The Reds transformed with a brighter style of play.

After constant pressure on Swansea's goal, the visitors finally got the most important goal, which brought all three points, scored by Jordan Henderson in the 68th minute.

Henderson has scored three goals in three consecutive Premier League matches. Photo: BPI.

Liverpool's vice-captain's goal was a combination of fine attacking play and a bit of luck. Martin Skrtel advanced to pass the ball, Sturridge expertly back-heeled the ball into the box and the Swansea centre-back's tackle sent the ball ricocheting off Henderson as he raced down the path, over Fabianski's head and into the net.

The Kop have thus closed the gap to the team above them, Man Utd, to two points. This is the perfect start ahead of the English derby next week. A win could help the Reds knock the Red Devils out of the Top 4. Conversely, Man Utd will also be boosted with confidence to qualify for the Champions League if they beat their long-time rivals.

Rodgers' team is determined to avenge the 0-3 defeat in the first leg with their recent impressive form. Liverpool are on a 13-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. They have kept a clean sheet in the last six matches.

The race for the Top 4 has also started to return to order with familiar names. Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool are the four teams that will compete for three Champions League spots when the gap between the fifth-placed Liverpool and the second-placed Man City is only four points.

Swansea and Liverpool have similar playing styles, strong in short-range passing and proactive attacking play. In the first half, the home team showed a clearer style of play, controlling 60% of the ball possession and creating dangerous opportunities. Swansea dominated the midfield, both actively attacking and neutralizing Liverpool's attacks.

Swansea's two most dangerous situations occurred in the 31st and 38th minutes. Both situations were cleared by goalkeeper Simon Mignolets, who dived to block Gomis and Sigurdsson's dangerous shots.

Mignolets has played a major role in helping Liverpool keep a clean sheet in their last six matches. Photo: AFP.

The mobility in midfield helped Liverpool regain the initiative in the second half. The speed of the ball increased. In the 58th minute, Coutinho finished close to the goal from Sterling's pass but Fabianski leaned over to punch the ball away.

Just minutes after captain Steven Gerrard entered the field, Henderson was pushed up higher and Liverpool scored the opening goal.

In injury time, Sturridge almost doubled the gap but the English striker's shot after a quick counter-attack hit the post.

According to VNE