LIVERPOOL: Adam Lallana fired Liverpool to their biggest home win of the season as the England midfielder’s brace inspired a 4-1 rout of Swansea on Monday.
Brendan Rodgers’ side scored four for the first time since March thanks to Lallana’s second half double after Alberto Moreno had put the Reds ahead in the first half at Anfield.
Jonjo Shelvey’s own goal completed the demolition of lacklustre Swansea, who had briefly threatened a revival when Gylfi Sigurdsson struck to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
As a result of their goal spree, the hosts climbed above Swansea into eighth place — five points behind fourth placed Southampton in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
With one defeat in their last 10 matches in all competitions and Lallana finally showing the class that persuaded Rodgers to pay £25 million (32 million euros, $38 million) to sign him from Southampton, Liverpool head into the new year with renewed belief that they can salvage a troubled campaign.
“It was a great performance against a very good side. I felt for the big part of the game we dominated,” Rodgers said.
“For me it was about getting back to performing well. Tonight we were convincing. We have to keep that intensity and work-rate.
“We know the work we need to put in but the players are starting to work together. We are a young side looking to settle in and play a type of football we find creative and exciting.” Liverpool started brightly and Martin Skrtel towered above his marker at the far post to head straight at Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianksi. There was still time for more controversy as Sterling flicked his hand in the direction of Federico Fernandez but avoided censure from Marriner.(AFP)
