Liverpool and Salah need to be more "streetwise" like Spurs in big matches, says John Aldridge - 7M sport

Liverpool and Salah need to be more "streetwise" like Spurs in big matches, says John Aldridge



Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2018 by squawka.com

Liverpool and Salah need to be more

Reds legend John Aldridge has urged Liverpool to be more "streetwise" in big matches following Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Manchester United.

Liverpool had 67.9% of the possession at Old Trafford and attempted 14 shots to United's five, but couldn't find a way to earn a point.

Former Reds striker Aldridge claims the Merseysiders were "too honest" against United on more than one occasion, suggesting Liverpool should take a leaf out of Tottenham's book.

Spurs were awarded two penalties in their 2-2 draw at Anfield last month, with Harry Kane and Erik Lamela adjudged to have gone down easily to earn their side a point.

"Jurgen Klopp claimed the referee cost Liverpool a point at Old Trafford, but I wouldn't agree with him on this occasion," said Aldridge (via the Irish Independent).

"I would argue that if Klopp's Liverpool team were a little more streetwise, they would have got at least a draw out of the game, but they are too honest for their own good at times.

"We saw Tottenham players getting penalties at Anfield a few weeks back after falling over in the box, but Salah decided to stay on his feet and the referee then decided to give nothing.

"What would have happened if Mohamed Salah had fallen over like most Premier League players would have done? I reckon he would have got a penalty, but that is not the way Klopp has his players thinking.

"They try to win matches in an honest way, by outpassing and outscoring opponents and what we saw yesterday was a team winning via an alternative route."

Are Liverpool "streetwise" enough?

Liverpool and Salah need to be more

Sadio Mane was involved in a big penalty shout at Old Trafford – nothing was awarded, nor was he booked for diving.

Indeed, Liverpool haven't received a single booking for simulation this season. Meanwhile, Tottenham have received two and Manchester United have received three.

Being "streetwise" hasn't massively helped Spurs and United, though. Liverpool have scored as many league penalties as Tottenham (2) and more than the Red Devils (1).

Of course, some fans will say "streetwise" is merely a synonym "cheating" and that Liverpool should be praised, not punished, for their honesty.



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