Joe Cole was incredibly impressed by the Liverpool star who completed more dribbles than anyone else against Sunderland.
Liverpool end Sunderland’s unbeaten home run streak
It’s difficult to get all three points at the Stadium of Light these days, but it’s even tougher when you’ve endured a season like Liverpool have.
But the Reds, fresh off a dramatic defeat to Manchester City at Anfield, produced a resilient and professional performance to oust Sunderland and end the Black Cats’ unbeaten home run.
Virgil van Dijk’s goal was certainly timely. In the same week that both Manchester United and Chelsea dropped points, a win was a must for Arne Slott’s side as they look to ease the pressure in the sack race.
They could have made things much more comfortable. Hugo Ekitike’s header went just wide of the post in the second half, Florian Wirtz’s shot hit the post in the first half and there was a general sense of control that the Reds had lacked all season.
The big negative for the slot will be Wataru Endo’s injury. The experienced Japan international became the latest makeshift right-back to be taken out on a stretcher, with Joe Gomez forced to return earlier than planned.
Dominik Szoboszlai will return from suspension for this weekend’s FA Cup game against Brighton & Hove Albion, but there is no doubt that Slott will be able to survive barring further injury in defence.
What the Dutch player evaluates is the performance of several star players. The embattled Ibrahima Konate won a tough battle against troublesome Brian Brobbey, while Ekitike won plenty of plaudits despite not scoring.
Joe Cole admires ‘breathtaking’ Ekitike
Ekitike’s presence leading the line even when he’s not on the scoresheet is something Liverpool have needed week in and week out lately – especially in the absence of injured or otherwise under-performing Alexander Isak.
The Frenchman was once again the center of praise as he effortlessly leapfrogged Daniel Ballard, leaving Joe Cole to watch in awe. The former Liverpool and Chelsea player described the forward as “breathtaking” before completing more dribbles than anyone else on the pitch (3).
Ekitike vs Sunderland | statistics |
|---|---|
minutes | 88 |
shot | 3 |
Dribbling completed | 3 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1 |
Much has been reported about Liverpool’s summer transfer window. After spending over £400m, more was naturally expected from the defending champions. But Ekitike is one man who should not be attacked.
Liverpool lead race to land big Mac Allister upgrade in £100m deal
Liverpool have had major problems in central midfield this season.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man was established from the first game, scoring 15 goals in 33 games in all competitions, so there is no denying that he is the Reds’ signing for this season.
Liverpool closed the gap on the top four to three points, making up for their loss to Man City last time out.
