Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is glad his side were punished for their mistakes, so it gives his players something to learn from. The Reds were beaten 2-1 by the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium as the hosts enjoyed the perfect preparation for this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
The champions took the lead in the first half when Sadio Mane met Andy Robertson’s low cross and finished with aplomb.
The drinks break cost Liverpool dearly though as the Reds backline appeared to lose concentration.
Virgil van Dijk rolled the ball into the path of Alexandre Lacazette who rounded Alisson and equalised for Arsenal.
The Brazilian also had a moment to forget shortly after when he played the ball straight to the opposition before Reiss Nelson finished in confident fashion.
JUST IN: Liverpool transfer target Thiago ‘about to leave Bayern Munich for Man Utd’
While Liverpool cannot break Manchester City’s record points haul from the 2017/18 season, Klopp is pleased his players can take something from the game as they look to rectify their mistakes playing out from the back under pressure.
“Twice, a massive lack of concentration, we took a break after 1-0, especially in the first half before the goal, we were just brilliant, we had 24-3 shots, that’s incredible but these two moments killed the game for us,” he told Sky Sports.
“Arsenal had no real chances, another shot in the last second, you cannot win football games when you concede goals like this.
“We took a break, that’s clear, lost concentration, it’s the Premier League and you cannot do that. Virgil van Dijk lost the ball but I didn’t see a lot of offers. Nobody wanted the ball. It makes no sense.
DON’T MISS
Liverpool discover Thiago alternative with £26m asking price despite problematic demand
Man Utd ‘agreed’ £13m Roberto Firmino deal with medical planned before Liverpool transfer
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told James Milner to ‘look elsewhere’ in transfer revelation
“We have to learn from that 100 per cent, and we will. I am not sure we never did it all season, we had sloppy moments, once, twice, maybe three times but tonight we got punished from it. It’s good on one side because we have to learn from it.
“We were constantly dominant. It was a good game. Arsenal, they were there in two situations, I am not sure they forced them but they were there and they used them.”
After the match, captain for the night Van Dijk apologised for his mistake claiming the Reds got everything they deserved.
“The goals we gave them as a present. Until their first goal, it was totally us, we gave them two goals and it is difficult to come back. We got what we deserved,” he said.
LATEST LIVE SPORT TV DEALS
Get Sky Sports for just £25 per month for 3 months
Get BT Sport for HALF PRICE
“Until then there was nothing wrong, we played very well. So it’s easy to blame us having the title but until I made the mistake there was nothing wrong.
“I want to win the game, but we can’t change that. We will try to win the last two games but can’t forget we have had a fantastic season.
“Being champions is a dream come true.”
Liverpool will get their hands on the Premier League title next Wednesday after they play their final home match of the season against Chelsea.
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here