Milner: We had to find a different way to win
Liverpool showed they can find a different way to win by seeing off the challenge of Manchester City, according to James Milner.
After a 1-0 result had been secured at Anfield on Saturday night, the vice-captain admitted to frustration that the Reds were unable to play the free-flowing football produced so often this season.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s excellent eighth-minute header proved enough for three points, however, and sent Jürgen Klopp’s side into 2017 in fine fettle.
And Milner took satisfaction from the way Liverpool battled to the victory despite not being at their attacking best and when up against such experienced and talented opponents.
“It was a tough game – they are a top team. It was just about the result,” the No.7 told BT Sport.
“It was arguably one of our worst performances – with how we want to play – of the season. But [it was] a very different performance and a gutsy performance, with great defending from everyone throughout the pitch. We stuck it out and ground out the result. You have to do that.
“We didn’t execute as we would have liked and got on the front foot as much as we would have liked, and kept the ball.
“Credit to them as well, they stopped us playing. They had a good set-up and caused us a few problems. They’re a good team.
“You can’t always win games the way you want to and play nice, flowing football. It’s about grinding out those results when you’re not playing your best and not executing as you would like.
“I think it’s a massive victory for us and a very different one. But you have to win in different types of ways to do well.”