Matt Beard has shared what we told his players at half-time to inspire Liverpool's narrow 2-1 victory at home to Manchester City.
The Reds got off to a blistering start at Prenton Park on Sunday as Natasha Dowie put the home side in front, capitalising on a defensive error from Laura Coombs. City, who remain in the midst of a fierce title race, were quick to respond as Lauren Hemp put them back on level terms before the break.
Despite taking the lead at Chelsea midweek, the London club were able to turn things around and eventually clinch the winner late on. Determined to ensure that didn't happen for a second time, Beard's team talk set the tone for Liverpool's performance in the second-half against City and inspired the winner from Missy Bo Kearns.
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"I thought the second goal was top drawer," the Reds boss told liverpoolfc.com post-match. "It’s pleasing because we showed the players at half-time the spaces the players could exploit because we were just taking an extra touch or were just too slow to move it. The goal came specifically from that, and they became stretched and it was a great team goal.
"We’ve had a long week but I felt the girls dug in fantastically well, putting bodies on the line. We could have been out of sight, to be honest with you, the way we started the second half – the first 20 to 25 minutes of it were as good as we’ve been all season.
"It’s an important three points and we’ve hit the target we thought we could set. So now we’ve got Aston Villa and Manchester United to play and we want to continue and pick up as many points as possible."
Liverpool's injury concerns this season have certainly had some bearing on performances across the campaign. As the Reds prepare for their final two games against Aston Villa and Manchester United, Beard will be pleased to have a number of key players fit and available again.
He continued: "I know our team is hard to play against and we have got a talented squad. I’ve got a great selection headache for the final two games because we don’t play next weekend.
"I’ll have Niamh Fahey back fully fit, Leanne (Kiernan) as well, and all of a sudden I’ve got options and real good attacking threat. That has been our Achilles heel most of the season – not having that attacking threat. The minute Shanice van de Sanden came on they were three yards deeper and we can exploit those spaces. I just love Shanice. She is brilliant, running here, there and everywhere. She is such an infectious person and I’m really pleased."
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