Suarez Bengong, Mignolet Pahlawan, Sturridge Jebol Gawang Stoke
Suarez Watches On, Mignolet the Penalty Hero as Sturridge Strike
Editor : Ismail Gani
Translator : Novita Cahyadi
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LIVERPOOL mengawali laga perdana di Liga Premier dengan kemenangan setelah bersusah payah menundukkan Stoke 1-0.
Dalam aksi dramatis di Anfield, The Reds mencuri poin melalui upaya Sturridge di babak pertama, sementara kiper Simon Mignolet berhasil menyelamatkan gawang dari tendangan penalti di menit ke-88 untuk mengamankan debutnya guna menjamin kemenangan Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers mengawali laga dengan menempatkan Iago Aspas dan Kolo Toure di barisan depan, sementara kiper Mignolet seharga 9 juta poundsterling mengawali debutnya di The Reds.
Pemain internasional Belgia nalurinya tampak masih tumpul pada awal laga, setelah ia gagal menyelesaikan kemelut di kotak penalti, dengan beberapa bola Stoke ke dalam kotak.
Itu adalah tanda peringatan bagi Liverpool, tetapi mereka membalas dengan peluang melalui Jordan Henderson dan Aspas, sebelum Sturridge akhirnya menjebol gawang lawan.
Setelah mengambil bola di tepi area penalti, dia didukung dari jarak dekat gol pertama di awal musim kompetisi, dan menempatkan timnya di puncak klasemen.
Ambisi Stoke mencetak gol di babak kedua selalu kandas, pernah terwujud, dan Liverpool bisa memiliki lebih banyak peluang mencetak gol melalui Henderson memukul ketika Philippe Coutinho memaksa Asmir Begovic harus bersusah payah mengamankan gawangnya.
Kemudian, dengan hanya beberapa menit tersisa, Stoke mendapat peluang penalti ketika Daniel Agger dijatuhkan di kotak penalti, dan semua jerih payah tampaknya nyaris sia-sia, seperti dilansir metro.co.uk.
Namun, Mignolet berdiri tegak dan mampu menyelamatkan gawang dari tendangan Jonathan Walters untuk menjamin kemenangan timnya.
Musim baru telah bergulir.....
LIVERPOOL have kick-started their Premier League campaign with a win after edging out Stoke 1-0.
In a dramatic fixture at Anfield, the Reds pinched the points through a first-half Sturridge effort, while goalkeeper Simon Mignolet made an 88th minute penalty save on his debut to guarantee the win.
Brendan Rodgers handed starts to the likes of Iago Aspas and Kolo Toure in a reshuffled lineup, while £9million shot-stopper Mignolet started in goal.
And the Belgian looked he might have been a flop in the first few minutes, after he failed to deal with several Stoke balls into the box.
It was a warning sign for Liverpool, but they hit back with chances for Jordan Henderson and Aspas, before Sturridge eventually struck.
After taking the ball on the edge of the area, he powered home from range to bag the first goal of the new season, and put his side in front.
A second half rival from Stoke never materialised, and Liverpool could have had more goals with Henderson hitting the post while Philippe Coutinho forced Asmir Begovic into two glorious saves.
Then, with just minutes left, Stoke earned a penalty when Daniel Agger handled in the box, and all the good work looked dead.
However, Mignolet stood tall and saved from Jonathan Walters to guarantee his side the win.
The new season is up and running.......
