Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold says he came up with the idea for the Reds’ free-kick routine that led to the opener against Chelsea.

Sadio Mane was fouled by Andreas Christensen just outside the box, but after Jordan Henderson said he believed it was too close to go for goal directly, Alexander-Arnold suggested rolling the ball. The fullback explained how the goal came about:

“Hendo wanted it at first and then I think he thought it was a bit too close for him. I discussed with Mo that I wanted it rolled to make the angle a little bit better and maybe confuse the keeper a little bit, and I’ve been able to put it away.”

“I thought it was too close to go over the wall, I didn’t know if the wall was going to jump so I couldn’t go under it, I had to go keeper’s side. It was a good roll and I just tried to put it as hard as I can that side with a bit of placement.”

It demonstrates not only Alexander-Arnold’s ability to execute such an excellent finish, but also his ingenuity to come up with an intelligent solution.

The fullback also showed that footballing intelligence most notably in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona last season.

Alexander-Arnold’s quick thinking from a corner led to Divock Origi scoring the crucial fourth goal that sent Liverpool through to the final.

Using set pieces to their advantage has become a common theme for this Reds’ team, with both goals at Stamford Bridge having come from the training pitch.