Jurgen Klopp has called it the ‘dumbest thing Liverpool could do’ after giving up their lead in the title race following the 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
The Reds looked to be in cruise control after taking the lead at Old Trafford but Jarrel Quansah set up Bruno Fernandes for a goal before Kobbie Mainoo put the hosts ahead.
Mohamed Salah’s late penalty earned Liverpool a point, but the title is no longer in their hands.
Klopp’s side now trail Arsenal on goal difference, with the Gunners having a nine-goal lead over the Reds.
However, the German believes it would be wrong to turn their focus on chasing Arsenal’s superior goal difference in the remaining seven games of the season.
Jurgen Klopp believes chasing Arsenal’s superior goal difference advantage is the ‘dumbest thing Liverpool could do after losing their place at the top of the Premier League’
Liverpool failed to capitalize on the opportunities and were punished by Manchester United
Arsenal are ahead on goal difference with a nine-goal difference between them and Liverpool
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He told a reporter at his post-match press conference: ‘You will, and other people will tell us ‘they have a better goal difference, we should go for that’.
‘That’s the stupidest thing we could do. It doesn’t happen on purpose, you don’t win a match and want to score eight goals and it happens.
“We are who we are, we are what we are, and that’s why we’re in the race and I’m absolutely fine with that. Until yesterday we were at the top of the table and now it is Arsenal.’
He added: ‘We want to be there after 38 (games), after the last day of play. It’s always better to be there all the time and put some distance between you (and the other teams).
‘Our situation is going well. I wish we had more points, but I’m definitely doing well – and I’m actually over the moon that these guys got us into this situation.
“The same guys who missed a few chances are the guys who brought us 71 points.”
Liverpool famously had to chase Manchester City’s superior goal advantage in the 2013/14 title challenge following the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Liverpool are now relying on Arsenal to drop points against other teams, or to somehow negate the large goal difference advantage the Gunners currently possess.
Luis Suarez was left in tears after Liverpool drew 3-3 with Crystal Palace in a match that saw the Reds chase Manchester City’s superior goal advantage in the 2013/14 title race
The Reds took a 3-0 lead against Crystal Palace but continued to push for goals allowing the Eagles to stage a famous comeback and grab a draw.
Klopp’s side would either need a major change in goal difference to beat Arsenal or hope the Gunners drop points by the end of the season.
Manchester City also lurk in the title race, just one point behind the pair, with perhaps the easiest run-in of the trio.