Liverpool: Mario is happy on the inside
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli chose not to celebrate his first Premier League goal for the club but assistant manager Colin Pascoe insists the player was delighted.
The Italy international showed no emotion after converting Adam Lallana’s cross for the winner seven minutes from time in the 3-2 victory over top-four rivals Tottenham.
Considering the importance of the goal – not only to the team but to Balotelli himself who has been waiting since his £16m summer move from AC Milan - there was nothing in the way of celebration.
At the final whistle he headed off down the tunnel without shaking hands with team-mates or opponents or acknowledging the fans who still back him despite his disappointing campaign.
“He is immensely happy. To get a winner at Anfield, I am sure he is happy,” said the Reds assistant manager, standing in for Brendan Rodgers who had left to catch a flight to Europe to watch a game on Wednesday.
“Mario knew he would have a part to play and he certainly did. He always works hard in training and recently he has been ill and he has had some knocks on his foot where he couldn’t get his boot on.
“It is testament to himself, he kept going and got his reward.”
Balotelli declined interviews after the match but took to social media to have his say.
“Great game guys!!! This smile is ONLY for those that always Belive and support me. Thank you. Forza Liverpool. But now head down and keep working hard. Tonight is past,” was the message posted on Instagram alongside a picture of a beaming Balotelli.
Lazar Markovic had given Liverpool an early lead, which was cancelled out by Harry Kane’s 23rd goal of the season.
Daniel Sturridge, on his first start for five months, won the penalty for Steven Gerrard to equal Robbie Fowler’s club total of 183 but that was cancelled out by Mousa Dembele’s close-range effort, only for Balotelli to have the final say.
“I think that it was a great game,” said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
“I am disappointed and at the same time proud of the effort of our players because it was great but in football you have to be lucky to get the points and today I think we were unlucky.
“I think maybe we gave the opportunity to Liverpool in the first half more than the second.
“We gave many balls away – easy balls to play – and Liverpool got the ball and played on the counter-attack.
“That was a little bit disappointing but I think the performance was good and we played to win the game.
“I think it is a shame. We deserved a little bit more.”
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