Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was delighted with the effort and commitment shown in defeating Blackburn Rovers 3-2 and hopes the result will give everyone a timely lift.
The dramatic win at Ewood Park was perfectly timed with Saturday’s FA Cup final against Everton at Wembley fast approaching. The three points will also help to improve the club’s awful recent league record that had featured only 2 wins and 3 draws (9 points) from the previous 13 fixtures.
The scoreline only tells half of the story however as Liverpool let a two goal lead slip before clinching an injury time winner. The Reds also had stand-in goalkeeper Alexander Doni sent off and conceded two penalties, one of which was saved by Brad Jones with his very first touch.
A happy Dalglish told his post-match press conference: “I can’t speak highly enough of the effort and commitment the players showed. They got a fantastic start, were 2-0 up and then we go down to 10 men.
“With the help of the supporters, who drove us forward, I thought we did really well in the second half. I think we just about deserved to win.
“We’re delighted for the players. It’s not been the best of times for them recently. That doesn’t mean to say we’ve turned any corners but it certainly gives everyone a lift.
“We’re delighted with the result and with the three points, and we pay tribute to the players.
“I think the victory will do everybody the world of good. We’ve not had the best of results recently and that gives everybody a lift.
“It’s always that bit more enjoyable when you win a game towards the end with 10 men, it’s always fresh in your mind.
“That’s a wee bit of enjoyment for everybody at the football club.”
Of Jones’ dramatic 26th minute penalty save from Rovers striker Yakubu, Dalglish commented: “He had a wee bit of an advantage because the two of them were at Middlesbrough together, The Yak and him.
“Maybe he had a wee bit of a psychological advantage.
“It was a great save and his first contribution for the club in the Premier League is to save a penalty – I’m sure he’ll remember that.”
The Australian’s substitute appearance followed an unhappy period away from football after the 30-year-old’s young son Luca died in November following a year-long battle with leukaemia.
“Luca is with me every day,” Jones subsequently told the Liverpool Echo. “I carry him everywhere. His face is on my washbag and his toys are in my travel bag. In that sense I’ve got someone looking over me.
“It’s been difficult not being involved and with everything that has gone on. But I’ve trained as hard as I can and hopefully that will stand me in good stead.”
Following Brazilian understudy Doni’s red card and with first choice Pepe Reina already suspended, Jones – a £2.3m signing from Middlesbrough in August 2010 – is now set to make only his second Liverpool start on Saturday.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s been a bit of a shock – not something I was expecting,” continued Jones. “Now it’s a case of getting focused and ready.
“It’s a big game at the weekend and we just have to be prepared.”
Click here to read the full Vital Liverpool match report of the game
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