Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp emphasised the need to start another unbeaten run after suffering a costly defeat against Arsenal
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp highlighted the importance of starting another unbeaten run after the 3-1 loss against Arsenal. The Reds suffered a costly defeat at Emirates Stadium, tilting the balance of the title race against them.
Liverpool are still at the top of the Premier League table despite the loss but with no room for comfort. The Gunners are only two points behind but a bigger threat looms as Manchester City have two games in hand.
The Citizens are five points away from Liverpool with a potential victory in those games taking them to the top. Liverpool suffered a dreadful defeat after starting the game poorly, leading to the opening goal from Bukayo Saka.
The Reds fought back just before halftime through an own goal from Gabriel Magalhaes after a shot from Luis Diaz. Liverpool started the second half strongly but Arsenal scored a goal against the run of play.
Alisson and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk had a momentary howler which allowed Gabriel Martinelli to score a simple goal. The Reds goalkeeper suffered another howler in the extra time from a shot by Leandro Trossard, taking the scoreline to 3-1.
Speaking at a post-match press conference (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Klopp insisted on the importance of another unbeaten run. He said:
“That’s actually the idea but we didn’t want to stop the run here. We didn’t lose recently an awful lot of football games, we know that. That means dealing with defeats is a challenge – for humankind actually. We have now a rather longer week, I think we play on Saturday, so we will use that for rest, we will use that for training and will be properly prepared for the next game.”
Liverpool struggled to make something out of their domination, having 58% in possession but only managed one shot on target. Meanwhile, the Reds centre-back Ibrahima Konate suffered a red card in the 88th minute for a soft foul.
Klopp: “A lot of things went against us”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 4, 2024
“This referee gave me red card against City for wrestling situation – Bernardo & Salah”.
“Today same with Jota that didn’t get a red card. Unbelievable”.
“Holding by Havertz on Konate… Gabriel did same with Nunez, no yellow card”. pic.twitter.com/gDwS5sTqAg
Arsenal defender Gabriel similarly fouled Darwin Nunez just two minutes after Konate’s sending-off. Nevertheless, referee Anthony Taylor showed the recurring problem that Liverpool have faced with officials this season by doing nothing. Instead, Taylor produced a yellow card for Nunez after the Uruguayan challenged his inconsistent decision-making.
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Klopp needs to make sure that the team puts this game behind them and focuses on the upcoming fixtures. The Reds are still at the top of the table with most of the remaining big games at Anfield.
