Milner On Match-Saving Penalty: “We Had To Dig Deep”

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The Liverpool vice-captain commended his teammates as the Reds kept their impressive league winning streak alive.

For the third match running in all competitions, Liverpool left it late before coming up trumps once again. On this occasion, it needed a show-stopping winner in the final minute of added time for Jürgen Klopp’s Reds to beat third-placed Leicster City 2-1 to bolster their position at the top of the league table.

After big goals from Gini Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah secured victories over Sheffield United and Red Bull Salzberg respectively in the past week, it was James Milner’s turn to step up to plate, putting a nerveless penalty past Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel in the 95^th minute following a foul on Sadio Mané.

“We had to dig deep and find the points,” Milner told BBC Sport following the game. “The boys have done it time and time again.

“There was a few tired legs and it was about getting the result. Leicester are a very good side. We knew it was going to be tough. Now we have a break and have to hope people come back from the international break fully fit.”

The 33-year-old was questioned about his near-impeccable penalty record that left Liverpool supporters with no doubt when referee blew the whistle to point to the spot: “Practice is what you need in those moments. You have to just concentrate and stay calm. I was just trying to concentrate. As long as you stay in the moment then you will be fine. Anytime it’s in the last minutes, it is important.”

Yet another win puts the league-leading Reds at 17 straight in the Premier League and eight points clear at the top of the table pending second-placed Manchester City’s matchup with Wolves tomorrow afternoon.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com