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Joël Matip represented all of us when he praised Jordan Henderson’s game-winning strike in the 31st minute of the match at Stamford Bridge that ultimately gave Liverpool all three points against Chelsea. It was an impressive display from most of the Reds, notably including Matip himself, whose defensive displays are proving to be a breath of fresh air for a Liverpool back line that has yet to gel since Carragher and Agger had control.
Regarding Captain Hendo’s wonder strike, Matip enthused, “It’s a long time ago since I have seen a goal like this. It was a perfect goal and you can’t do that better.
“To win at Stamford Bridge is always nice, it’s a good feeling. We want to play like we played in the first half. We want to keep the ball, we want to play and let them run and it worked very good from the beginning. It was a nice game for us.
“When it went to 2-1 we had to fight for the victory, but we took the fight and we won. We have made a good start as a team and everybody helps each other so it’s good to play alongside my team-mates.”
Philippe Coutinho, sure. It’s not surprising anymore when one of the magical Brazilian’s 30 yard stunners beats the keeper and nestles into the top corner. But Jordan Henderson? Not so much. The Liverpool captain has come under some scrutiny over the last year or so, because a recurring injury made for a patchy and unimpressive first season wearing the armband.
Henderson hadn’t scored since back in January. Even with his long absences from the squad, that’s a pretty dismal return for the skipper. However, newly deployed by Klopp in a deeper role in the midfield, Henderson has begun to flourish alongside fellow midfielders Georginio Wijnaldum and bff Adam Lallana. The three have worked so well together over the last couple of weeks that it’s almost enough to make one wonder where Emre Can comes in when he’s fit. Boy, that’s a nice problem to have.
Whether Friday’s swerving, dipping, magnificently struck game-winner against Chelsea was an anomaly or the beginning of a new dawn for Henderson is yet to be determined, but right now Reds’ fans can enjoy the rest of the weekend’s football knowing that their team already have a much-deserved victory at Stamford Bridge in hand.