Liverpool vs Swansea live: Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino inspire rout of hapless Swans
Follow the latest from the Premier League clash at Anfield
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool will look to return to the Premier League top four after witnessing Tottenham’s demolition of Southampton to leap ahead of the Reds, with Swansea visiting Anfield in the final match of a busy Boxing Day schedule.
After seven previous games, Liverpool and Swansea take centre stage with the two sides very experiencing differing fortunes this season. Jürgen Klopp’s side can move back into fourth with a victory and maintain their Champions League aspirations for next season, while Swansea will start the match rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and unable to escape the bottom three even if they win.
Jordan Henderson is absent for Liverpool due to a hamstring injury suffered in last Friday’s 3-3 draw with Arsenal, but Joel Matip could return from a month out injured, while Swansea are without Kyle Naughton meaning that Angel Rangel could be recalled.
Follow the live action below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
23 mins: The first five minutes apart - when they looked relatively compact - Swansea have offered nothing so far despite plentiful spells of possession. Leon Britton, in temporary charge, will have done all he can to lift spirits within the squad but the lack of confidence is still so telling. Not one player in the visiting ranks is yet to make a telling pass in the first quarter at Anfield.
29 mins: Jordan Ayew goes on a run that initially looks quite dangerous, but the Ghanaian fails to back himself at the pivotal moment, turns back and goes down under a challenge. Once again, no free-kick is awarded by Kevin Friend, and the best news for Ayew is that at least this time it didn't lead to a goal.
31 mins: Despite the difference in class, confidence and scoreline, Liverpool aren't brushing Swansea aside, creating chance after chance in the process. Instead, the home side find themselves restricted to long range efforts. Their first of the game flew into the top corner in stunning circumstances, the latest from Firmino thumped just wide.
37 mins: Liverpool find themselves under pressure. On his Premier League debut, Oliver McBurnie wrestled his way into the area from the left and struck, only for his shot to be blocked bravely by Ragnar Klavan. The home defence failed to clear the danger, giving Wayne Routledge a chance he couldn't take before Kyle Naughton eventually ran the ball out for a goalkick.
41 mins: Liverpool come back at Swansea, and Mo Salah wants a penalty after he tussles with Tom Carroll in attempting to get to Firmino's dinked left touchline cross. Kevin Friend isn't interested, and quite rightly so. It was nothing more than a blatant dive. At least Jordan Ayew makes his look good.
43 mins: After losing Jordan Henderson to injury on Friday, Jurgen Klopp is now looking on concerned as another midfielder, Emre Can, leaves the field to receive treatment. Eventually, the positive signal comes through from the physiotherapist that the German is alright to continue - until half-time, at least.
45 mins: Two minutes of added time are signalled by the fourth official, Paul Tierney.
45+1 mins: Firmino must score! Firmino doesn't score! The visitors pass up possession in their own half, allowing Liverpool to break at blistering pace. The Brazilian is sent clear on goal, but doesn't fancy the chance on his left foot, instead skipping back on to his right and giving Alfie Mawson just enough time to get into a defensive position. Firmino eventually lets fly, but in attempting to bypass the centre-back pulls his shot wide of the near post.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments