Wijnaldum: Whole Liverpool team worked hard, but Firmino’s goal was special

It took a goal of pure quality for Liverpool to beat Stoke City on Saturday afternoon; that was the view of Georginio Wijnaldum anyway.

The Reds had trailed at half-time to Jon Walters’ opener at the bet365 Stadium, but roared themselves back in to the Champions League hunt thanks to Phillipe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino efforts.

Both the Brazilians had come off the bench at half-time to aid Jurgen Klopp’s cause, with the latter rifling an effort home to lift the visiting supporters to their feet.

That kept the Anfield outfit six points clear of fifth-place Manchester United, with Wijnaldum left purring at the impact the two had on a game which had seemed to be slipping from their grasp.

(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

“[They were] really good goals, especially the second from Roberto. The way he made the goal was quality, pure quality!” said the Dutchman.

“I don’t think it was only because of the substitutions, but of course Phil and Roberto made a big difference. They scored the goals and they helped the team to win the game.

“It is normal people will say it’s because of the substitutions but I think it’s also because the whole team worked hard to get a win.

“It’s a really big win, and also because we dropped points on Wednesday against Bournemouth. We wanted to do better in the next game and it was a good game.”