James Milner’s added-time penalty snatched a 2-1 win over Leicester on Brendan Rodgers’ first return to Anfield, four years and a day after he was sacked as Reds boss.
It was the third time in a week Jurgen Klopp’s side had edged a game by a single-goal margin after they benefited from a goalkeeping error at Sheffield United last weekend and had to bounce back from letting a three-goal lead slip to beat Red Bull Salzburg 4-3 in the Champions League.
Liverpool dominated the first half but had only Sadio Mane’s 41st-minute goal – his 50th in the Premier League for the club – to show for it after Milner’s raking pass released the Senegal international, who should have doubled their lead before the break.
In the second half, with Klopp’s side unable to gain full control, Leicester hit back through James Maddison 10 minutes from time to set up an anxious finish – but Milner was the coolest man inside Anfield with the seconds counting down, with his 17th success from 19 spot-kicks for the club.
The sheer importance of the win could be seen in the reaction from Sadio Mane, who went down on his knees after Milner converted from the spot –
Look at how much it means to Sadio ❤ pic.twitter.com/ntlcvxpF76
— MB (@MrBoywunder) October 5, 2019