#3 Mane leaves on a sour note
For much of the game, the Senegalese was an electric presence. A tinge of excitement was evident in the away stands whenever Mane received the ball. With this being the Senegalese’s final appearance for Liverpool before leaving for the African Cup of Nations, he was keen to make his mark from the start. His bright running provided the outlet Liverpool were looking for. Clyne ably supported the Senegalese, making runs from deep to assist him down the right flank.
However, the Senegalese might have expected his job to be done after he scored the goal to give Liverpool the lead in the 78th minute. But 5 minutes later, Mane went from hero to villain as he stuck his arm out in the way of a Sunderland free-kick. The manner in which his hand was held out didn’t give the referee a lot to think about and up stepped the ageless Defoe to promptly dispatch his second penalty of the game.
Mane has been an inspired signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side having played his part in the first half of the season. The Senegalese will hope to add to his 9 goals and 4 assists, with both club and player, hoping that the midfielder doesn’t fall victim to any injuries.
