Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has conceded that he should have done better with the two goal-scoring opportunities he was presented with against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.
The teenager was handed his first start in the Premier League since January 21 by Jurgen Klopp in a match the Reds would go onto win 2-0. Elliott was presented with a pair of chances to find the net during the contest but was unable to convert either, heading a cross from Darwin Nunez wide with the goal at his mercy before seeing a left-footed half-volley kept out by Jose Sa.
The squandered chances proved immaterial however, after second half goals from Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah wrapped up the three points at Anfield, avenging the 3-0 defeat Liverpool suffered at Molineux in the reverse fixture last month.
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Speaking to Liverpool's official website after the match, Elliott said: "It's one of them where I should have done better – both opportunities, to be honest. I know I have the technique and skill to be able to apply the finish but today [it] just wasn't my day. Luckily the other boys could provide the finish for us and get the win. We all need everyone at some point in the game and at some point in the season to get these wins, luckily enough it was another one today.
"Obviously another big win and every win and every performance counts, especially at Anfield. [There's] no better place to do it than in front of the home fans. The boys were unbelievable, showed great determination and fight against a tough opponent. We all know what happened at their place. But [it's] another positive performance after the season we've had and [we're] looking to take it into the weekend now."
A third Premier League victory in four matches has moved Klopp's side up to sixth in the table, keeping the tough challenge of Champions League qualification for next season's competition alive. The Reds will come under stiff examination back at Anfield on Sunday however, when in-form Manchester United pay them a visit.
But Elliott, who has made 37 appearances for Liverpool this season in all competitions, has hailed the importance of a solid squad, as more first-team regulars have returned from injury lay-offs, as well as the importance of the home crowd's backing.
He said: "We need each and every person in the squad whatever game it is. We need to make sure we're all ready and we're all able to apply a good performance in the game and give everything for the club – that's exactly what we've done today, each and every one.
"The subs were driving us on from the bench and the fans are behind us as well. They all know they're our 12th man and they're with us each and every game. It's one of them where, for us, it's massive motivation and drive to keep pushing us on throughout the game. It's to keep applying performances like we are and trying to get the most out of each game and trying to get the three points most importantly for them.
"I know I'm going to sleep tonight and get myself ready for the weekend. It's another massive game [against] United who are flying this season, so hopefully we can take this performance into the weekend and apply another great performance."
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