Jordan: Our patience paid off
Jordan Henderson reflected on his European debut against Hearts and insisted the patience Brendan Rodgers has instilled in the side proved crucial on a night when Liverpool left it late to clinch a 1-0 win.
Andy Webster turned a Martin Kelly cross into the back of his own net in the 77th minute to ensure the Reds take an advantage back to Anfield for the second leg in a week's time.
And Henderson admitted that while Hearts' resilience ensured it was a testing night at Tynecastle, he was pleased with the way his teammates kept the ball for long spells and emerged with a clean sheet.
"The boss is definitely trying to instil an element of patience to our play," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "We have to be patient. We've got to take control of the game and get the ball moving quickly.
"And if it takes until the last 10 or 15 minutes until we get a goal, then that's what it takes and that's what we did tonight.
"I think the most important thing was to come here and put in a good performance and get a good result. We're pleased with the clean sheet and we're obviously pleased with the goal, so we'll go back to Anfield with a good lead.
"We knew it would be a difficult game. Hearts are a good side, they've got some good players and they made it difficult for us tonight.
"But I think we coped well with it at times. I thought we kept the ball well and made some good chances, so if we can build on that for the next game then that would be brilliant."
Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City travel to Anfield on Sunday when the Reds will look to put the disappointment of an opening day loss to West Brom firmly behind them and Henderson is hopeful he can play some part in the fixture.
"When you get a chance, you need to put in a good performance and try and stay in the team," he added. "And everybody did that tonight. Everybody put in a good shift and now it's up to the gaffer to pick the team for Sunday.
"So hopefully I can be in the team."