When they needed him most, Sadio Mane stepped up for Liverpool.
After an incredibly tough season for the Senegal star, he reminded everyone just how important he is to his side today.
Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace
Liverpool entered the final game of the Premier League in the knowledge that a win would most likely secure a top-four spot. Against all odds, the Reds had put themselves in the driving seat to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
However, they still needed to defeat Crystal Palace in Roy Hodgson’s last game at the club. They could not afford to rely on results elsewhere.
With fans back in Anfield for the first time in months, optimism was high.
As it turned out, both Chelsea and Leicester lost their games, meaning that Liverpool did not actually need a win.
But Sadio Mane did not know that.
Mane shows that he is far from finished at Anfield
After a cagey start, Liverpool began to take over after 15 minutes or so. They started to show that they were by far the better team.
The Reds got a corner in the 36th minute.
Andy Robertson took it and there was a bit of a scramble in the box. Eventually, Mane managed to get a toe on the lose ball and poked it into the back of the net.
The second half began with more Liverpool possession, but few chances at either end.
Eventually, in the 74th minute, Mane struck again to settle the nerves.
Mo Salah found the Senegalese in acres of space at the edge of the box. He took his time and set it for himself before rifling a left-footed drive into the bottom corner, via a Gary Cahill deflection.
The brace capped off what was Mane’s best display in months. More importantly, it ensured that Liverpool will play in the Champions League once again next season.
Twitter reacts to Mane performance
Reds fans were ecstatic at both Mane’s performance and Liverpool accomplishing their mission.
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