Liverpool cruise past Huddersfield
Daniel Sturridge's 100th club career goal helped Liverpool return to winning ways in the Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Huddersfield.
Mohamed Salah saw his first-half penalty saved by Jonas Lossl (42) as a defensive Huddersfield side frustrated the hosts, who were without Philippe Coutinho at Anfield.
However, Sturridge capitalised on a Tommy Smith error (50) to steer Liverpool towards their first league victory since September.
Liverpool turned on the style as the Huddersfield defence opened up, and Roberto Firmino's header (58) and a superb Georginio Wijnaldum strike (75) ultimately put the game beyond the visitors.
In a clash which pitted Jurgen Klopp against old friend David Wagner for the first time, it was the latter who set up his Huddersfield side to sit back and let Liverpool attack, but the hosts struggled to find an early breakthrough as Lossl saved easily from Salah and James Milner.
Tommy Smith's tug on the shirt of Firmino then handed Salah the opportunity to score from the spot, but Lossl guessed correctly to keep out the Egypt international's penalty.
The rebound did fall kindly for Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, but he saw his volley skim the post as a relieved Huddersfield side went into the break all-square.
However, it took Liverpool just five minutes to break the deadlock in the second half, with Sturridge latching onto a poor header from Smith before looping the ball beyond Lossl to score his second goal of the season.
The hosts went two clear just before the hour-mark when Firmino raced to the near post to head in from Milner's cross.
Wijnaldum rounded off the victory with 15 minutes to go, taking a couple of touches inside the area before rifling his effort into the top corner.
The game proved to be a much-needed quiet afternoon for Liverpool's defence, with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet not tested once.
Man of the match: James Milner. Liverpool's forwards burst into life in the second half, but it was James Milner who put in a tireless performance throughout.
The midfielder got one assist to his name for Liverpool's second goal, and recorded twice as many key passes (four) as any other player. He also made the most tackles (five) on the pitch as Liverpool's central three allowed their defence to enjoy a quiet afternoon.
A typical all-round performance from the 31-year-old.
Source: Sky Sports
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