Bolton 1 Liverpool 2: Sterling hails Coutinho’s ‘magical’ winner
Raheem Sterling reserves special praise for Philippe Coutinho after 2-1 win
Raheem Sterling heaped praise on Philippe Coutinho after the Liverpool midfielder celebrated his new long-term contract with a dramatic winner at Bolton in the FA Cup.
The Premier League side fell behind in the fourth-round replay at the Macron Stadium after Zach Clough took a tumble to earn a 58th-minute penalty, which Eidur Gudjohnson duly dispatched.
Bolton midfielder Neil Danns was sent off for a second bookable offence before Sterling levelled with five minutes remaining after the Reds forward was picked out by Emre Can’s brilliant pass.
Liverpool pressed for a winner, and Coutinho, who signed a deal which will keep him at the club until 2020 on Tuesday, fired a long-range winner in the first minute of added time.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sterling said: “Philippe has that magic to turn a game on its head. Great individual skill and magnificent finish.”
Asked about his strike which saw the England international cheekily poke a finish through Andy Lonergan’s legs, Sterling added: “I just saw the ball come over my shoulder, I saw the keeper’s legs and I thought I’ll put it through his legs. Happy to get on the score sheet.”
Liverpool will face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park for a place in the FA Cup quarter-final.
