The Portuguese forward scored Liverpool’s second, as the visitors registered a stunning 5-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League.
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Diogo Jota described Liverpool’s thumping 5-0 victory over Manchester in the Premier League as “historical” but urged his teammates to remain grounded. Liverpool raced to a 4-0 lead in the first half and a Paul Pogba red card in the second half only added to United’s misery. The Portugal forward netted the Reds’ second of the day at Old Trafford, adding to Naby Keita’s early opener and a breathtaking hat-trick from Mohamed Salah. “It’s historical but we as players, we can’t think over our heads. I think it’s important that we keep our feet on the floor. It’s just [another] three points, there is a long way to go,” Jota told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It’s hard to dream [about such a win], which is a good thing, to be honest. We always expect a tight game, at least in terms of the result, but I think we were outstanding today, especially until the 2-0. In the first 15 minutes we were almost perfect. After that, we conceded a little bit counter-attacks and started losing the ball, but in the end it’s a historical result and one for the fans to remember for a while,” he added.
When asked about what clicked well in that ruthless first half, Jota said, “Sometimes things just happen naturally. I think we were of course on our toes, everyone was searching for the space and I think in the end with the two goals coming soon, that helps as well. We were very dangerous and we did a fantastic game today.”
Jota then reserved special praise for hat-trick hero Salah. When asked about the impact he is having on the team, the Portuguese forward replied, “Massive! I think of course the way the team is playing at the moment helps a finisher like he is. It is one of those times when every time he touches the ball it seems to end in the back of the net! That is unbelievable for us and I hope that can continue for a while.”
Speaking about the importance of keeping the clean sheet, Jota said, “Yeah, I think a clean sheet is always important because if you do that it allows for you just to score one goal and win the game. I think that’s what we need to fight for because with the quality that we have up front, if we keep that clean sheet [then] I’m pretty sure we will win the game.”
Manager Jurgen Klopp made two changes to the starting XI from the midweek victory in Madrid. Ibrahima Konate was brought into central defence alongside Virgil van Dijk. The Frenchman produced an assured third appearance since his arrival from RB Leipzig in the summer. Praising his performance, Jordan Henderson said, “I thought he was outstanding. We’ve got a few very, very good centre-backs so it’s difficult, but I thought he was top class today.”
“You’ve got to be to get a clean sheet at Old Trafford so I’m delighted for him and delighted for the team in terms of a clean sheet, I thought, was big today for us and we need to keep that going. To concede two in midweek we were disappointed with after going 2-0 up, so we knew today we wanted to try to keep a clean sheet, which I thought was very good for us. And obviously scored some amazing goals, which is what everybody wants to see as well.”
