Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool should have beaten Arsenal after epic Anfield draw
‘How we didn’t win it… I don’t know!’: Jurgen Klopp claims Liverpool should have completed the comeback against Arsenal after recovering from a 2-0 deficit, but that was denied by Aaron Ramsdale’s belated heroics in a pulsating draw at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp insisted Arsenal should be happier with a point after watching his Liverpool side come from two goals down to a 2-2 draw with the Gunners at Anfield on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s men ran to a commanding lead in the first 30 minutes thanks to Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, but Liverpool struck back through Mohamed Salah just before half-time.
Salah then missed a penalty early in the second half, but Liverpool pushed for an equalizer and finally got it in the 87th minute when Roberto Firmino headed home from close range.
Liverpool continued their momentum and Salah and Ibrahima Konate both had huge chances in extra time, but both were denied by amazing saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
Looking back at the game afterwards, Klopp was adamant that his team should have won despite being behind for most of the game. “A bit typical for us this season. An open game, completely open, they score with the first situation and the second,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
Jurgen Klopp thinks Liverpool should have beaten Arsenal after being two goals behind
Ibrahima Konate missed a huge chance to win the match for Liverpool in the final minute
Ramsdale was later Arsenal’s hero as he produced a number of saves to give his side a point
Our response was good. In the end it was a spectacular match. How we didn’t win with those late chances I don’t know. I’m in between [being happy and not]. I have no problem drawing. Arsenal were good, but they could and should have lost this game. The point for them is better.’
After being largely outplayed in the first half, Liverpool came to life in the second after a lifeline from Salah’s goal.
With the Anfield crowd right behind his side, Klopp admitted it was a ‘wild game’ but was speechless when asked to explain how Konate had failed to beat Ramsdale from three yards out in the last minute.
“We had moments and opportunities where we didn’t finish the situations. Somewhat typical. They fly so they score on their first chance. The goal we scored helped a lot. It wasn’t over at halftime,” he added.
“It was a sensational atmosphere. Good time to score the equalizer. Suddenly we were in charge of a wild game. We deserved at least a point. Like Iboe [Konate] uses his head [for a late chance] it’s a goal. Maybe he slipped. He had a chance, it was just there.’
In a game full of dramatic moments, perhaps the most controversial moment came just after referee Paul Tierney blew for half-time.
Liverpool full back Andy Robertson confronted assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis, and the referee appeared to respond by shoving the Scot in the throat. Klopp declined to comment on the incident, but revealed he was aware of an altercation between the pair.
“Nothing,” Klopp replied when asked about his opinion of the game. “I know it happened, but I didn’t see it. When it’s done, the pictures speak for themselves.’
