'Fans deserved a win after such a long journey'
Knowing the Liverpool fans had made such a long journey to Bournemouth gave Kevin Stewart extra motivation to ensure they could celebrate three points on Sunday.
Just three days on from the Europa League drama against Borussia Dortmund, it was a trip to the south coast for the Reds to tackle the Cherries in the Barclays Premier League.
The travelling supporters were rewarded for their efforts with a win as Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge struck before the break to render Josh King’s late goal a mere consolation.
Stewart, who made just his second start in the league, was especially pleased that the youthful side selected by Jürgen Klopp were able to make the journey worthwhile.
“It’s so far and them coming down is really special,” the midfielder told Liverpoolfc.com after the final whistle at the Vitality Stadium.
“We made sure we went over and clapped them afterwards; I think it’s the least we could do for them coming all the way. I’m really happy that we gave them a win after such a long journey.
“It was a really tough game and I probably found that harder than the last one, it was really physical and there was a lot of running. But I think it was a well-deserved win.
“The boys fought really hard. It was a shame we didn’t keep a clean sheet; it was a good finish and a good goal. I’m really proud of all the boys that we got the win.”
Stewart was joined in the line-up by a number of other players who have stepped up from the club’s Academy teams to the senior squad this season.
And they again repaid Klopp’s faith in their talent and reliability with assured displays – helped by the more experienced names in the Liverpool XI.
“We have worked a lot together, growing up and going through the same kind of battle – trying to get games in the Premier League,” Stewart added.
“Doing it together, playing in the U21s with them and then playing here with them is really special, especially [because] we won.
“The older players are a big help to all of us. They talk to us so much; they have been there before so they know what we need and it’s just a really big help. They did really well.
“They never really put you in tough situations and they try to make it easy for you. At the back, Kolo [Toure] does a lot of talking before, during and after. They help us out a lot.”