Liverpool see one of football's oldest maxims come true as much-needed lifeline grasped
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCOn-the-whistle analysis from Paul Gorst as Liverpool beat Inter 1-0 at San Siro in the Champions LeagueDominik Szoboszlai scored the winner from the spot(Image: Getty Images)If poor decisions are said to even themselves out over the course of a season, referee Felix Zwayer proved one of football's oldest maxims to be true across the course of 90 minutes here at San Siro.Having ludicrously taken close to five minutes to decide that Hugo Ekitike had inadvertently handled Virgil van Dijk's header to rule out Ibrahima Konate's opening goal in the first period, the official eventually made it 1-1 for head-scrathing calls later in the game.Substitute Florian Wirtz, who was perpetual motion throughout his second-half cameo, went to ground with the kind of dramatic flourish that didn't even initially earn the dignity of a glance from the referee.However, a check with the monitor revealed that there was a slight drag on the Germany international by Alessandro Bastoni, leading to one of the softest penalties Liverpool will be awarded this season.But when the chips are down and the luck is out, this is the sort of lifeline that must be grasped on to with the firmest of grips. The Egypt superstar was left at home, stewing in his own juices after that incendiary post-match interview at Leeds United.And after what is just a fifth win in 16 games now across all competitions, Slot and his players have to use this as a springboard out of the mire they have found themselves in since late September.At a time when the head coach is under-fire, the players are out of sorts and the entire club is engulfed by negativity, this was exactly what was needed.
It was a defiant response from a squad with its back to the wall.Victory against Real Madrid last month by the same scoreline proved to be a mirage but this has to have tangible after effects now for Liverpool and Slot. Their fortunes might just have changed here with the awarding of the decisive penalty, but the form has to now follow.Paul GorstPaul Gorst is the Liverpool ECHO's Liverpool FC correspondent and brings readers the inside track on all matters Anfield day in, day out.
He brings you all the latest Liverpool news first each day, plus exclusive interviews and insightful, independent analysis. A journalist with over a decade's worth of experience, he has worked at the ECHO since 2016.