After avoiding a scare against Leeds United in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2020-21 campaign, some expected Liverpool to struggle against Frank Lampard’s new-look team.But the reigning champions passed their latest test at Stamford Bridge with flying colours, sealing a 2-0 win thanks to a second-half brace from Sadio Mane.That said, the turning point came on the stroke of half-time when Andreas Christensen was sent off.The Danish defender hauled down the lively Sadio Mane from outside the penalty area, leaving referee Paul Tierney with no option but to show the red card.Liverpool then capitalised on their man-advantage after the break and were 2-0 up on 54 minutes thanks to Mane.Jordan Henderson played the brilliant pass which led to Christensen’s foul on Mane.The Reds’ skipper played an inch-perfect ball down the middle of the pitch right into Mane’s path.
However, new footage has emerged - courtesy of Sky Sports’ new Matchday + feature - which shows Henderson telling Mane where to run moments beforehand.“Sadio!” Henderson shouts, before instructing his teammate to run inside rather than sticking to the wing.
Alisson then rolls the ball to Henderson, who looks up and plays his pass in the expectation that Mane would follow his orders.The Senegalese winger obliged, darting inside and beating both Christensen and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the ball.Watch the video here...
Here’s some of the reaction to the new clip from fans…
Henderson, who was named FWA Footballer of the Year in July following an excellent season with the Merseyside outfit, is worth his weight in gold for Liverpool.
Often under-appreciated during the early years of his Anfield career, the England international has blossomed into a key player and a tremendous captain.
Steven Gerrard handed Henderson the captain’s armband in the summer of 2015 - and the 30-year-old has done the entire club proud over the past five years.