Ayew’s double ends Liverpool’s winning run

Andre Ayew scored twice as Swansea City eased past an inexperienced Liverpool side 3-1 to bring an end to their recent poor run against the Merseysiders.

The visitors – who had won their last four in a row against Swansea – arrived in south Wales upset about the scheduling of the clash given they played their Europa League semi-final, first leg in Villarreal on Thursday, and looked sluggish despite a raft of changes from Jurgen Klopp.

Swansea dominated the opening half with Ayew and Jack Cork profiting from sloppy Liverpool defending.

Ayew ended a goal drought that stretched back to late January as he netted the opener, before Cork scored for the first time in over a year with a well-placed finish.

Substitute Christian Benteke gave Liverpool hope after replacing Philippe Coutinho with a neat header, but Ayew took himself into double figures for the season to restore Swansea’s two-goal cushion and move them into the safety of mid-table.

Brad Smith’s late sending off completed a miserable day for Klopp as their hopes of a top-six finish were dented, placing more emphasis on their Anfield return against Villarreal on Thursday.

With that European clash in mind, Klopp named Liverpool’s youngest starting line-up in the Premier League, their midfield – which included Pedro Chirivella for his first league appearance – showing an average age of under 20.

Klopp’s youthful quartet took time to settle as Swansea – who welcomed back Jefferson Montero – started brightly; Ayew wasting two half-chances in the opening stages.