Late Shelvey double gives Liverpool victory

Jonjo Shelvey came off the bench to score twice for Liverpool FC and kill off the challenge of BSC Young Boys in their opening game in UEFA Europa League Group A.

The midfielder put the visitors 4-3 ahead nine minutes after entering the fray, finishing from Jordan Henderson's intelligent ball. A surging run from the centre circle in the 88th minute culminated in a left-footed drive past Marco Wölfli, settling a thrilling match in which the English team trailed until the midway point of the second half. 

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers fielded three debutants in his starting lineup, yet any early nerves were settled when they took the lead in the fourth minute. Stewart Downing's cross from the right was met with a purposeful header from Young Boys defender Christoph Spycher, but the clearance cannoned off team-mate Juhani Ojala for an own goal.

Raúl Bobadilla's attempt at an immediate riposte hit the side netting, but Martin Rueda's team were rewarded for their patience seven minutes before the interval, Raphael Nuzzolo the first to respond to a loose ball in the Liverpool penalty area.

Liverpool hit back two minutes later, Andre Wisdom planting a corner from Nuri Şahin beyond Wölfli to give the visitors a half-time advantage. That was by no means the end of the drama, though, as the lead twice changed hands during a frantic second period.

First, Bobadilla's accurate turn and cross allowed Ojala to make amends for his own goal by heading in at the right end. Ten minutes later, Bobadilla was the provider again with a through ball which Gonzalo Zárate stylishly chipped over Brad Jones.

Three-time UEFA Cup winners, Liverpool were stirred into action, Sebastián Coates meeting a corner from Downing to restore equilibrium. Shelvey's late double sealed three points for the Reds.