Revealed: John Achterberg’s role in Mahrez penalty miss

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Riyad Mahrez’s penalty was almost as bad as Charlie Adam’s in the 2012 Carling Cup final but Alisson might have saved the shot even had it been on target.

The Brazilian number one dived the right way even though he was not called into action as the shot sailed over the top – and it was goalkeeper coach John Achterberg who instructed him to, earning a smile and a fist-pump from Jurgen Klopp.

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Mahrez’s last five penalties have all been taken to the goalkeeper’s left, so how the Dutch coach knew Mahrez would switch is a mystery, but he clearly pointed to Alisson that he should dive to his right before the kick was taken, and was proven to be correct.

The Reds were worthy of getting a point on the day and those moments of fine detail could be what decides the title race come the end of the season.

More Stories John Achterberg Jürgen Klopp Liverpool Manchester City Riyad Mahrez