The reds came from behind to clinch victory over Swansea
Liverpool's Dejan Lovren, centre, celebrates after scoring against Swansea during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and Swansea at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
London: Mario Balotelli scored just his second goal for Liverpool in 12 appearances as they came from behind to beat Premier League rivals Swansea 2-1 and advance into the last eight of the League Cup at Anfield on Tuesday. Balotelli has struggled since his 16 million ($26 million, 20 million euros) pre-season move from AC Milan and on Tuesday he was on the bench until 11 minutes from time.
When the Italian striker was sent on by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers a former Swansea manager Liverpool were trailing 1-0 to Marvin Emnes’s 65th-minute goal. But four minutes from time Balotelli evaded the visitors’ defence to equalise Then, with extra-time looming, Swansea’s Federico Fernandez was controversially sent off for a challenge on Philippe Coutinho. And in the fifth minute of stoppage-time, Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren got on the end of a Coutinho free-kick that Swansea keeper Gerhard Tremmel came for and missed to head home the winner his first goal for Liverpool.
Balotelli posted a one-word tweet of “finally” to express his relief at scoring. Premier League leaders Chelsea survived a scare before seeing off fourth-tier Shrewsbury 2-1. Jermaine Grandison’s own goal broke the home side hearts with nine minutes left when he turned in Willian’s cross. Shrewsbury kept the game goalless for more than half the match until Didier Drogba finished from close range in the 48th minute.
( Source : AFP )
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