Liverpool progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a celebratory 3-1 win over Cardiff at Anfield.
After Diogo Jota had opened the scoring for the Reds, Jurgen Klopp sent on both new signing Luis Diaz and the returning Harvey Elliott, just short of the hour mark.
Diaz took little time to make an impact as the Colombian provided an assist for Takumi Minamino’s goal, before Elliott marked his comeback from injury with a perfectly timed swivelled volley.
There were plenty of national newspapers in attendance, who all focussed on the effect that the two substitutes had on the game.
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Richard Jolly, The Guardian
JUrgen Klopp has scripted many a story with a happy ending in his seven seasons at Liverpool . Less than five months on, what he thought was a horror film – what he called one of the worst moments of his footballing life – turned into “a proper fairytale.”
The fear was that Harvey Elliott’s career was over before it had really begun, but here he returned in style, the 18-year-old scoring 18 minutes into his comeback. The dislocated ankle he sustained at Leeds 147 days earlier, when he was taken off on a stretcher and rushed to hospital, was consigned to history amid the euphoria of his first goal for Liverpool.
The ugliest of goals would still have made it a beautiful moment. Instead, it was a strike to illustrate his promise, Elliott taking a touch to control Andy Robertson’s cross and swivelling to dispatch a half‑volley. “He is still an incredible footballer,” Klopp said.
Elliott’s introduction came in a double change that brought a fresh start and a new beginning. It was a moot point if the rapturous reception Anfield afforded Luis Díaz and Elliott was attributable more to the January buy or the emerging talent. Either way, the majority present soon had reasons to celebrate both. This was a welcome glimpse into Liverpool’s future.
The most expensive attacker in their history endeared himself to Klopp in the best way possible; not even by scoring as much as by doing his best Roberto Firmino impression, 10 minutes into his debut. He capitalised on a moment of confusion in the Cardiff defence, robbed a dozing Perry Ng and set up Takumi Minamino for Liverpool’s second goal.
Ben Husband, via The Mirror
It’s not often that the debut of a £50million signing is overshadowed, but if it was possible, coming on with Harvey Elliott did just that.
The Colombian was given a huge welcoming roar when coming on, as did Elliott, making his long-awaited return following a sickening injury at the start of the season.
The sight of the talented Elliot returning to the field of play was a genuine feel-good story and he will now be hoping to pick up where he left off under Klopp’s tutelage.
It didn't take long for either to make an impact, with Diaz creating Minamino's goal before Elliott took the roof off Anfield by scoring on his return.
Paul Joyca, via The Times
Liverpool were already leading when Luis Díaz and Harvey Elliott ambled to the touchline in readiness to be pitched into the fray.
Within a matter of minutes their impact would push proceedings far beyond the reach of Cardiff City. However, rather than simply this tie, it is the influence that they could have on the rest of the season that will buoy Jürgen Klopp the most.
This campaign is now full of possibilities for Liverpool, whose fight on four fronts comes with a squad that has arguably never been stronger in the German’s seven years at the club.
Both Díaz — whose arrival from Porto was brought forward last month from the summer to see off Tottenham Hotspur’s interest — and the 18-year-old Elliott undoubtedly represent the future.
Yet their mastery here showed how intent they are on shaping the present. If that threatens to provide Klopp with a selection headache in the coming weeks, then he will not mind one iota.
Melissa Reddy, via The Independent
No matter where you looked against Cardiff City at Anfield, the storylines were golden for Liverpool. It wasn’t the prettiest FA Cup triumph, nor the most memorable, but signalled growing strength for the second half of the season beyond a fifth-round hosting of Norwich.
Sunday’s early kick-off was doused in good vibes for Jurgen Klopp’s men; a return to the squad for Harvey Elliott after a five-month ankle injury lay-off, and a first sighting of new attacking recruit Luis Diaz. Both walked onto the Anfield turf to rapturous applause in the second half, after Diogo Jota’s header ensured the optimistic mood was not killed.
Both drew even more acclaim for ballooning the scoreline, Diaz offering dazzling feet and an instant impact to set up Liverpool’s second, while Elliott provided a tasty first touch and thundering volley to wrap up victory. Cardiff got a goal, but not much joy as mere backdrop during a hugely promising afternoon for the Merseysiders.
Ian Herbert, via Daily Mail
Liverpool’s new £40mlllion midfielder could have been forgiven for taking delight in the fervour which issued around this stadium as he was about to make his second half entry. But it was the 18-year-old standing beside him on the touchline whom Anfield was preparing a welcome for, not Luis Diaz.
The sight of Harvey Eliiott being stretched off at Elland Road in September, an oxygen mask on his face as he suffered the first agonies of an ankle dislocation, was devastating to all who have watched him develop into the club’s outstanding teenage talent.
His recovery within five months has been remarkable and was matched by a goal here which underlined his direction of travel in the game. Elliott tracked the trajectory of Andrew Robertson’s 76th minute cross from the left, applied his studs of his left boot to bring it under control and swivelled to despatch shot of power and precision. Elliott was mobbed. This was no ordinary goal celebration.
Diaz was by no means eclipsed in the half hour of football that he and Elliott shared after Liverpool had put a frustrating first half behind them. His watchfulness saw him burgle possession and set up Liverpool’s second goal. He might have provided an earlier one for Elliott had a pass not been fractionally over-hit.
The two provided a new level of urgency to a Liverpool side whose 5th Round tie at home to Norwich City creates the prospect of progress deep into a tournament they’ve not won for 16 years.
