Anfield manager asks players for final surge to finishing line and they race home once Georginio Wijnaldum breaches Middlesbrough’s defence in 3-0 win
‘When you see a finish line you should sprint,” was Jürgen Klopp’s final exhortation to his players before this potentially season-defining final game.
Liverpool were willing to take him at his word – Roberto Firmino landed the first shot on target in a little under 30 seconds – though more than half an hour later they were still shooting and acceleration was beginning to be replaced by apprehension. News from the other games had already filtered through. Arsenal and Manchester City had taken early leads, but though the first half had been a procession towards Brad Guzan’s goal, with Nathaniel Clyne, Emre Can, Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana almost literally queuing up to take pot shots, the Middlesbrough back line was holding out quite comfortably.
Related: Liverpool seal Champions League place with victory over Middlesbrough
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