James Milner: You Cannot Question Liverpool’s Heart And Desire

We’ll take it.

A fraught period that saw Liverpool lose three times in a row for the first time in the Jürgen Klopp era came to an end as the Reds saw out a nervy 2-1 win at Anfield over relegation strugglers, Bournemouth.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané overcame a controversial early Callum Wilson strike to extend the Reds’ lead at over Manchester City at the top of the table to 25 points. However, VAR chose not to overturn the early opener from the visitors after scorer, Wilson appeared to push Joe Gomez over in the leadup to the goal, infuriating the Liverpool sideline.

A last ditch goal line clearance from the returning James Milner, starting at left back after Andy Robertson was left out as a precaution, preserved the hosts narrow lead. However overall, the vice captain’s presence was crucial on the pitch in helping the Reds pull through a nervy second half.

“I don’t think any Premier League game is easy to win. It’s boring to say, but it’s true,” Milner, wearing the armband on the day, told BT Sport.

“Especially after a couple of performances not on our level, many teams would have crumbled. A couple of poor results, people saying this and that, but we kept going and stayed calm.”

The veteran was awarded Man of the Match and encouraged his teammates to continue this push out of a rough patch of form: “There were a couple of chances we don’t want to give, but you can’t question the boys’ heart and desire.

“You don’t always play well, but on numerous occasions this season we’ve found a way to win.

It is a welcome return to winning ways as next up is a do-or-die Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, who journey to Anfield with a 1-0 lead in an attempt to oust the holders