Ngog downs Leeds and vows to repay boss Benitez’s faith
LEEDS UTD (0) vs LIVERPOOL (1)
LIVERPOOL youngster David Ngog is relishing further opportunities to impress after his clinical finish sent Liverpool into the last 16 of the Carling Cup.
The French striker pounced on Javier Mascherano’s mis-hit shot in the 65th minute and spun well before coolly slotting home.
And the 20-year-old believes his confidence will soar after impressing at Elland Road.
“It was really important for me, for my confidence. I think we played very well and we worked hard together. I’m very happy to have scored,” he said. “I know I cannot play every game but when the coach gives me confidence I try to do my best for the team and try to score.”
Reds manager Rafael Benitez made nine changes to the side that won at West Ham on Saturday and it showed as they struggled to get a foothold in the game.
Leeds, however, rolled back the years and should have gone ahead after 10 minutes but on-loan midfielder Michael Doyle somehow headed wide. Controversy then struck when the home side looked to have scored only for Jermaine Beckford to be ruled offside.
Steven Gerrard nearly added to Ngog’s strike late on but he was off-target from a tight angle. But Leeds could not find an equaliser and were left to rue their wasted chances.