Liverpool-Swansea City Wrap: James Milner’s Penalty Kick Gives Reds Win

Liverpool officially is streaking … in a good way.

The Reds topped Swansea City 1-0 on Sunday at Anfield. James Milner scored a penalty kick in the 62nd minute, and the Reds held off Swansea City’s late charge to claim all three points.

Liverpool moved up to sixth place in the Premier League standings with 23 points from 14 games. Liverpool now boasts a three-game win streak in all competitions and has won six out of seven games in the last month.

Swansea City has lost five consecutive games against Liverpool and occupies 15th place in the standings.

What happened?
Not much.

Few will remember Liverpool-Swansea City in a couple of weeks’ time, but the hosts gladly will accept the win and the accompanying points, confidence and momentum.

Liverpool enjoyed a good start, dominating possession and pinning Swansea City deep in its own half. Jordon Ibe threatened to open the scoring in the sixth minute, but Kyle Bartley’s last-ditch tackle sent the ball crashing off the post. Nearly another hour would pass before Liverpool came that close to scoring again.

Swansea City’s desperate defending prevented Christian Benteke and Adam Lallana from shooting on goal twice more in the opening 30 minutes. The visitors grew into the game and ended the first half by making a few forward raids of their own.

The second half wasn’t much better than the first until the 63rd minute when Ibe earned Liverpool’s decisive penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Milner’s goal from the spot gave Liverpool the edge it needed against struggling Swansea City.

Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge played around 30 and 20 minutes, respectively, in their first appearances under manager Jurgen Klopp. Their inclusions, combined with Liverpool’s fatigue and Swansea City’s spirited search for the game-tying goal, made the contest more open and nervy in the final stages.

But Liverpool held on to give Klopp his first Premier League win at Anfield on his third try.

Why the outcome?
Liverpool had tired legs following its Europa League win over Bordeaux on Thursday. Eight of Liverpool’s starting 11 played in the hard-fought win over the French club, and the Reds seemed to lack the extra tempo and sharpness that rested players usually show against the Swans. High winds also were a factor.

Liverpool’ splay dimmed after a half hour. Swansea City lacked the confidence and quality to attack Liverpool with any purpose. Liverpool was focused and well-organized but was deficient tactically and physically.

Liverpool-Swansea City might have ended in a draw on another day, but the penalty decision swung it in the Reds’ favor.

Key moment
The game turned in the 62nd minute when Jordon Ibe launched a cross straight into Neil Taylor’s arm. Referee Anthony Taylor controversially awarded Liverpool the penalty kick, which Milner converted.

Swansea City will feel Taylor’s decision was harsh.

Telling statistics
Liverpool has enjoyed many trips to the penalty spot since the Premier League began play in 1992, but Milner’s penalty kick — his second in as many games — was the Reds’ first since April.

Up next
The Reds hit the road for two games in the next week. They visit Southampton on Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Capital One Cup (or Football League Cup) and Newcastle on Sunday in the Premier League.

Thumbnail photo via Jon Super/The Associated Press