Milner: The chances will start going in soon
James Milner predicts Liverpool will soon begin to convert their chances into goals as they prepare for a massive week in the Champions League and Premier League.
The Reds made opportunities to score at Stamford Bridge on Saturday long before Daniel Sturridge snatched a point from Chelsea with a stunning long-range strike in the 89th minute.
Jürgen Klopp’s side had been punished for not being at their usual prolific best during the Carabao Cup tie between the teams in midweek as a late double saw the Blues progress.
But, with games against Napoli and Manchester City to come in the week ahead, Milner insists it won’t be long before Liverpool take full advantage of their approach work.
“The amount of chances we are creating is pleasing and I think you would be more worried if you weren’t creating the chances. I’m sure they will start going in a bit easier soon,” the No.7 told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Sometimes you have to find a way to get a point or a win in whatever way you can and it was a positive point. There are still areas we can improve on but they are a top team, they have shown that at the start of the season and they showed that the other night.
“We knew it would be tough but I think it’s a good point at the end, and hopefully we can use this momentum from late in the game, scoring like that, to take into the last two games before the international break.”
Watch: Extended highlights from Stamford Bridge
Sturridge’s 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool was an exhibition of exquisite finishing.
Having collected a pass from Xherdan Shaqiri around 25 yards out, the striker unleashed a swerving shot that whistled into the top right corner – just three minutes after coming on as a substitute.
“No-one has ever doubted his ability, so much ability; he scores goals, look at his goal record for the club, and he’s a top-quality player, so we are lucky to have that all throughout the squad and hopefully he can keep contributing like that,” said Milner.
“We’re pleased, obviously, because I’m not too sure we deserved to lose that game.
“It took a moment of quality. We created other good chances and didn’t take them but that’s the beauty of having as much quality throughout the squad as we do and players like Studge waiting and champing at the bit to come on. That’s what he does – he scores goals.”
Before the Reds host Manchester City at Anfield in their next Premier League outing – the only team that can match their 19 points – they travel to Italy.
A Champions League tie against Napoli awaits them on Wednesday night as Klopp’s men seek to build on their early advantage in Group C after beating Paris Saint-Germain.
“These are the sort of games you want to play in: good atmospheres, good European games,” said Milner, who scored from the penalty spot in the 3-2 win over PSG.
“It’s another tough game and that’s what we seem to have in every single game at this moment in time, but we can deal with that and we just have to keep churning it out and keep trying to improve.”