Supersub Xherdan Shaqiri had a big contribution to bring Liverpool beat Manchester United 3-1 in the match of Week 17 of the Premier League 2018/2019 at Anfield Stadium on Sunday (16/12).
Shaqiri, who was in place to replace Naby Keita in the 70th minute, successfully scored two of the Reds’ three goals. Earlier in the first half, Sadio Mane opened Liverpool’s lead in the 24th minute, then equalized to 1-1 through Jesse Lingard’s goal in the 34th minute.
1-1 score had lasted until the first half ended. Entering the second half, Jose Mourinho pulled out Diogo Dalot and was replaced by Marouane Fellaini. Liverpool came close to winning in the 52nd minute through Roberto Firmino’s hard kick in the penalty box. The ball that leads to the left of the goal is still able to pushed over by De Gea who appeared brilliantly.
Entering the 64th minute, Man United created a threat to Liverpool’s goal through Ashley Young’s cross on the right side of the Reds defense. His bait ball slid right in front of goal Alisson Becker and was ready to be struck by Marouane Fellaini’s header. However, the ball was thrown out by Andy Robertson with his header.
Liverpool took turns creating opportunities in the 69th minute. Giorginio Wijnaldum fired a shot from outside the penalty box. However, the kick was still weak so it was easily captured by David De Gea.
Entering the 70th minute, Juergen Klopp began to make substitutions. Naby Keita was withdrawn replaced by Xherdan Shaqiri.
Klopp’s decision to play Shaqiri seems to be truly telling. The substitute managed to score a goal using the heat in front of goalkeeper De Gea.
The goal began with a horizontal cross from Sadio Mane on the right side of the Man United defense which had hit the visitors’ defender and the ball changed direction to De Gea’s goal. Spontaneous Spanish goalkeeper brushed off the ball and bounced towards Shaqiri.
He immediately fired a shot that had hit Ashley Young and the ball went to the top right corner of Man United’s goal and nestled without being able to reach by De Gea.
Again Shaqiri showed his strength as a supersub in the 80th minute. He scored his second goal against Man United and brought Liverpool to a 3-1 lead over his opponent.
He again used the heat in front of goalkeeper De Gea by releasing a hard shot which had hit the foot of Eric Baily. The ball changes direction slightly so it is difficult to reach by De Gea and nest into the net.
Left behind 3-1 made Man United increasingly frustrated, especially the match remained leaving less than 10 minutes. The match ended for the Reds 3-1 victory over the Red Devils.
