Jurgen Klopp delighted with ‘super’ Liverpool after dominant Anfield win over Arsenal
Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for a dominant Liverpool performance which saw his side come from behind to win 3-1 against Arsenal.
The Reds had over 66 per cent possession on Monday night and took 21 shots to the Gunners’ four, with goals from Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and a late first in the shirt from Diogo Jota sealing the points.
That result meant the end of Arsenal’s winning start to the season, while Liverpool joined Leicester and Everton on nine points at the top of the fledgling table.
And despite the scoreline being tight until the closing stages, Klopp said it could barely have been a better all-round display from his side.
“From the first second onward against a team in form [it was excellent],” he told Sky Sports at full-time.
"Ali[sson] had to make one save, they had two balls in behind; apart from that, the football we played was exceptional tonight.
"We had so many big moments; first half we played super but were 1-0 down, how can that happen?! We won it completely deserved. We could have scored more, yes, but we killed their match plan.
"We did it again and again and again. If you are [playing with] that high [a defensive line] there’s some risk but we want to win the ball as high as possible.
“It’s about how you play, how you create and it’s really early in the season - this performance is absolutely… wow, what can i say?!”
The Liverpool manager was also asked about his interpretations of the rule changes around the Premier League this season, particularly handballs after recent events.
Klopp has sympathy for the defenders who have found themselves on the wrong side of the calls of late, drawing reference to Eric Dier of Tottenham, as well as reiterating that the removal of the five subs rule will harm teams later in the campaign.
"We all agree Eric Dier didn’t do anything wrong. You cannot control your body, you jump, [there’s a] player behind you. You only have the opportunity to cut your arms off.
"I don’t think the refs are happy with the rule either but we have it.
"I’m also not happy with how long we wait with no offside flag: If they win a corner we don’t take it back. These situations are really strange.
“These rule changes didn’t help but in the moment we have to accept it. It’s a strange season. You might not use five subs early all the time but you will need them in November, December.”
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