James Milner: Swansea win shows our team spirit
James Milner cited Liverpool’s resilience as a key factor in their turnaround at Swansea City on Saturday afternoon as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 win.
The Reds were not at their usual fluent best in a tough first half at the Liberty Stadium, in which they fell behind to Leroy Fer’s early strike.
Nevertheless, after some words from Jürgen Klopp during the interval, they regrouped and turned in a second-period performance more in keeping with their excellent recent form, duly securing the three points in the process.
Afterwards, Milner told Liverpoolfc.com: “Every time you play away from home in the Premier League it is always tough and you are going to have spells in the game when you are going to be under the cosh.
“The first half was our own doing but in the second half we performed a lot better, but they are still going to have chances – that’s the Premier League. The boys defended well and the character we showed by not only coming back to win the game but the second half was more like ourselves other than the first half.”
The fixture was Liverpool’s final one before the two-week international break and Milner feels it’s significant the Reds head into the recess on a high.
He continued: “I don’t think the character has ever been in question. I think that’s always been there but maybe the organisation and togetherness to know your jobs and everybody to be on the same page and under pressure when things are going wrong [has improved].
“To be able to put it right and stick together and we managed to do that and it was a big three points, really important after the last few games where we have played really well. It would have been a big disappointment not to win today and finish these round of fixtures before the international break.
“So a massive three points sends everyone away in a good mood and good form for their countries. Hopefully everyone comes back fully fit and we can carry on this run.”
Jordan Henderson and James Milner react to Swansea win
It was Milner himself who sealed the win, converting an 84th minute penalty with typical composure to add to Roberto Firmino’s equaliser.
“Obviously it was a really big moment in the game and I thought second half we deserved the three points,” reflected the vice-captain. “In the first half they were the better team and we needed to improve and we did that.
“There was great character from the boys, and the boys coming off the bench as well – it was a real squad performance to lift us again and I’m really pleased to get the three points after being a goal down.”