'We made mistakes': Hendo, Allen, Evans et al on LFC's 'great victory' vs. Swansea

Liverpool's excellent record at Anfield continued today with a nervy 4-3 victory over Swansea City, and although the Reds didn't emphatically brush the Swans aside, the team still came away with three points, which puts Brendan Rodgers' side in a commanding position in the top four.

At this stage of the season, the ability to grind out victories is important, and this is the second league game in a row where Liverpool have pulled a game out of the fire.

Post match reaction from players/ex-Reds:

Gary Gillespie

"Got away with result today. Too much space for Swansea to play. More performances like this today for Jordan Henderson and he must be in line for WC squad"

Neil Mellor

"Another important three points at Anfield for Liverpool. Huge credit to Swansea who made a real game of it. Henderson superb and got vital winner"

Brendan Rodgers

"Jordan showed great leadership today. You could see him driving the team on. What was really pleasing for me was his second goal. We've been telling him to get into the box and arrive in there, because he's got the energy and the legs to do that"

Joe Allen

"It was an extremely tough game. Swansea pushed us all the way, and we had to be resilient to make sure we got those three points"

Jordan Henderson

"We made some mistakes, and didn't play as well as we can, but we showed a lot of character, and stayed positive to find the winner. A few things need to be addressed defensively, as a team. I've still got a lot to do to improve my game, and I'll just continue doing that. "

Roy Evans

"It wasn't our best display. Going forward we were great, but we made some silly mistakes. Our defensive side wasn't great, and we can't go on giving away goals like that"

Brendan Rodgers

"It was a great victory for us. W've been used to being comfortable by half-time, so only winning by one goal probably seems a bit strange for the supporters"

Some notes on the game:

* Henderson's scored for first time in thirteen games, so it's great to see that his goalscoring drought is over. He needs to effect games like this more often, though, and if he can get on the scoresheet more regularly over the next three months, it could help the Reds to within touching distance of the title.

* A couple of dodgy moments from Martin Skrtel. His constant grappling with players in the box finally got punished, but overall, he put in another solid performance.

* Having Agger alongside him probably contributed to Skrtel's errors, and it's no surprise that Rodgers removed the Dane in the second half. Agger looked unhappy to be subbed off, but Liverpool looked much more solid at the back when Toure came on.

* Amazing through-ball from Sterling for Sturridge's first goal, but apart from that, he had a bit of an off-day.

* Glen Johnson contributed to LFC's defensive frailty. suspect positioning throughout the game, and gave the ball away a few times. He also lost Bony for Swansea's second goal, which allowed the striker a free header in the box.

* Five games without a goal now for Luis Suarez, but his three assists in that time show that he continues to be vital to the team. It appears that Rodgers is willing to sacrifice the Uruguayan's goals for the team, and with Daniel Sturridge in red-hot form, it seems Rodgers is right to do so.

I could say more, but I find it hard to look past the victory. Three points is all that matters right now, and with Spurs losing to Norwich, the Reds are in a great position to further consolidate a place in the top four.

Liverpool are producing title-winning form at the moment, and champions have the ability to dig out victories even when the team is not at its best. Only four points behind Chelsea, with Man City and the Blues still to come to Anfield. It's exciting to contemplate, and if results go LFC's way...

Let's not go there (!)

One game at a time, and then we'll see...

Author: Jaimie K