In what seems like a blink of an eye since the emphatic Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool FC result, the Reds were back in action, travelling to Deepdale Stadium to take on Preston North End in the fourth round of the League Cup. Preston was eager to confirm qualification to their first League Cup quarter-final, however, it was not their night. Familiar goalscorers in this competition, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino made it 0-2, both scoring in the second half. Read on for our comprehensive Preston North End 0-2 Liverpool FC match report including highlights and main talking points.
Image Source: The Anfield Wrap
Preston North End 0-2 Liverpool FC
Deepdale Stadium, League Cup Fourth Round
First Half
The first half started as a slow affair for both sides as they presented massive changes to the squads. Liverpool FC particularly saw a full starting eleven switch from the side that featured at the weekend, offering a good rest for those involved at Old Trafford and offering this alternative team plenty of minutes. This resulted in the two sides needing time to grow into the game, with Preston North End fielding a negative 5-4-1 formation, meaning Liverpool FC had plenty of possession.
However, it was Preston that created the most goalscoring opportunities. Liverpool FC keeper Adrian was called into action producing a wonderful close-range save to deny Sean Maguire with a quick follow-up cleared by Williams. before Brad Potts sent the ball over the crossbar. Preston North End continued to look threatening with several attempts courtesy of Tom Barkhuizen and Ryan Ledson from dangerous positions failing to find the back of the net. The first half ended 0-0.
Image Source: This is Anfield
Second Half
The break allowed Liverpool FC and Jurgen Klopp to reassess the game plan, bringing on Connor Bradley to play at right-back and pushing Neco Williams forward. This proved to be a pivotal decision for the final result as Williams registered two assists by the full-time whistle. Takumi Minamino opened the scoring on minute sixty-two with an outstretched leg, capitalising on a pass from inside the box from Williams. Preston North End 0-1 Liverpool FC.
Later, a bending cross from Kostas Tsimikas from outside the box almost found its way in goal, bouncing off the cross-bar. The ball landed to Williams who chipped it up to Divock Origi. With an audacious back-heel ‘scorpion’ kick, puts the ball away, making it 0-2 to Liverpool FC at minute eighty-four, seeling the victory for the travelling Reds. Check out the full highlights and Origi’s incredible finish here.
Final Words
There you have it, our official Preston North End 0-2 Liverpool FC match report. An outstretched leg from Takumi Minamino and an outrageous back heel from Divock Origi denied Preston North End the chance to qualify for the League Cup quarter final for the first time in their history.
Although Jurgen Klopp will not want to add to an already busy Winter schedule but it gave many squad players the oppurtunity to get minutes under their belt.
In case you missed the Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool FC game, check out our post-match report here.
