Firmino: I want to play like that against everyone
Roberto Firmino is determined to reproduce the form that saw him score twice in the exhilarating draw with Arsenal on a more consistent basis for Liverpool.
The Brazil international found the target for the first time at Anfield to put the Reds in front early on in a Barclays Premier League classic that ultimately finished 3-3.
Where his reactions to take advantage of a rebound made his opening goal, it was sheer technique that allowed the No.11 to whip an unstoppable curler past Petr Cech for a second.
Though his contributions were not enough to secure maximum points on the night, Firmino wants to have a similar impact for Jürgen Klopp’s side with regularity.
“I hope I can play like that against all teams, not only the big teams,” he told Liverpoolfc.com after the final whistle at Anfield.
“Obviously it’s good to play well against the good teams but my aim here is to help the team by scoring goals and doing whatever I can on the pitch.
“There was extra motivation against Arsenal. I’m sad that we couldn’t win the game but I’m happy that I could help the team by scoring two goals and at least we got a draw in the end.
“I think we played much better than Arsenal. It wouldn’t have been fair if we had lost the game, so we should have at least got a point – which we did at the end of the game.”
Firmino and co will target all three points in the second match of a mouthwatering double-header this week, as Manchester United make the trip to Anfield on Sunday.
The summer signing is well-briefed on the game’s importance and believes a display like that against the Gunners could bring the victory they crave.
He added: “Manchester United are a big team and I know how big this derby is here.
“We have to be 100 per cent focused. If we do as well as we did up front [against Arsenal] against them, we have a good chance to win on Sunday.”