Jurgen Klopp has said he is unsure how Liverpool failed to beat Premier League leaders Arsenal after his side came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Arsenal and Liverpool played out a pulsating draw at Anfield on Sunday, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all getting on the scoresheet.
The visitors started the game very well, dominating possession as they took a two-goal lead before the half-hour mark.
However, Liverpool fought back – much in part to Granit Xhaka’s altercation with Trent Alexander-Arnold which galvanised the home crowd – to draw the match.
Klopp believes his side were unfortunate not to win the game, which he says is “slightly typical” of the Reds this season.
“We all saw that before – a team full of confidence and one that lacks confidence,” the German said. “The team with confidence scored and then we had to find a way back.
“We had to run a lot and work a lot but that is normal. In a game against Arsenal you have to close the centre.
“We had our struggles but when we were more compact and played with more direction it was good.
“In the end it is a question of how can we not win this game. It is obviously much better than getting nothing. I am not overly happy but I am absolutely OK with it.”
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Klopp added: “A bit typical for us this season.
“An open game, completely open, they score with the first situation and the second one. Our reaction was good.
“It was a spectacular game in the end. How we didn’t win it with those late chances I don’t know.
“I’m caught in between [being happy and not]. I have no problems with drawing. Arsenal were good but they could and should have lost this game. The point for them is better.
“We had moments and chances where we didn’t finish the situations off. Slightly typical.
“They’re flying so they score with their first chance. The goal we scored helped massively. At half-time it wasn’t over. It was a sensational atmosphere. Good moment to get the equaliser.
“All of a sudden we were in charge of a wild game. We deserved at least a point. If Ibou [Konate] uses his head [for a late chance] it’s a goal. Maybe he slipped. He had a chance, it was just there.”
Andy Robertson clashed with assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis – who appeared to elbow the Liverpool defender – at half-time and PGMOL have confirmed in a statement they are investigating the incident.
“Nothing,” Klopp said when asked his thoughts. “I know it happened but I didn’t watch it. If it happened the pictures will speak for themselves.”
Alexander-Arnold hailed the “character” of Liverpool and has admitted his altercation with Xhaka “got the crowd going”.
“Intense,” the England international said. “Very good game of football. Both sides played great football at times.
“We didn’t start like we wanted to but we showed character. We had a huge chance to win it at the end but we’ll take a point.
“We lacked intensity and weren’t compact enough as a team [at the start]. Towards the end of the first half we started playing the way we wanted to and definitely in the second half.
“Against a team like that you’ll get punished for not starting quickly enough.”
On his clash with Xhaka, Alexander-Arnold said: “I think a little bit of fire in a game like that there’s nothing wrong with it. He nudged me off the ball so it’s a natural reaction to do it back. It got the crowd going.”
“Every game we want three points. Disappointed to not get it today but there are lessons in there.”
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