Diogo Jota explains what he did not like in the match against Fulham but is still hopeful for a Liverpool comeback in the Premier League after 3-1 victory
Diogo Jota has expressed his displeasure with allowing Fulham back into the game at the conclusion of the first half. But he hopes Liverpool has turned a corner after their 3-1 win against Fulham, comparing the performance to the flow of ketchup.
Jota netted his first goal since returning from a two-month layoff less than a fortnight ago, adding to Trent-Alexander Arnold and Ryan Gravenberch‘s strikes, which made it 2-1 on the day after Timothy Castagne equalized at Craven Cottage.
It brought Jota’s season total to 15 and his 10th in the Premier League on a day when Jurgen Klopp‘s side tied Arsenal at the top of the standings.
Jota feels the performance in west London will inspire a flawless run-in as they strive for their 20th league title in Klopp’s final season as manager. He told Premier League Productions (h/t Liverpool Echo):
“I always like to say, sometimes it’s like ketchup, because when the first drop comes out, everything flows. I hope that’s the case for the team. Three goals today was good away from home, and in three days we will play again, so let’s take that.”
“Obviously it was a long time for me without playing and in the starting XI, and watching from home I think we missed sometimes this goal which brings the extra comfort and kind of kills the game in a way.”
“It’s massive for us, it was a really good game like I said, especially second half. We need to take that into the next game.”
However, it was not all positive from Jota after the game. Portugal international Jota also criticized the team’s inability to keep out Fulham at the end of the first half:
“I have to say it was a bit childish from our side, the way we conceded. Obviously that was their best momentum in the first half and we didn’t know how to control it.”
“We had the chance to do it with a couple of goal-kicks, we tried to play fast, I don’t think that was a clever thing to do. And we conceded. That’s football, that’s the Premier League.”
This victory was much needed by the Reds after their stumbles against Atalanta and Crystal Palace. This victory will act like a ray of hope to the team, as now they are motivated and confident enough to conquer the title.
Since the Reds are having a rough season, this weekend’s 3-1 triumph away from home looked more sweet. Jota’s return to the line-up and goal underscores just how vital the Portuguese international is to this Liverpool team.
His ability to be in the right position at the right time does well for him, allowing him to capitalize on a defensive breakdown, scoring with a calm finish that secured the three points for his team.
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His late goal highlighted his poacher’s instinct, something that the Reds have been lacking in recent weeks. Liverpool return to action as Everton host them in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.
