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Klopp hails special win as Reds extend lead in title race

By agency reporter On Nov 30, 2019 0

Jurgen Klopp hailed a special victory after his Liverpool side extended their Premier League lead to 11 points with a nervy 2-1 win over Brighton.

The Reds were cruising to victory at Anfield after two first-half Virgil Van Dijk goals but the sending off of goalkeeper Alisson Becker and a crafty Lewis Dunk free-kick made for a tense finish.

In the end the hosts held on with 10 men and with back-up goalkeeper Adrian on the field on what was a freezing afternoon in Merseyside.

Manager Klopp said: “We scored two nice goals from set plays but the biggest chances we had were from open play. We could have and should have finished it off in that period, and we didn’t.

“In the second half it was hard work again and the boys put in another incredible shift.

“Of course life became more complicated with the red card and the change we had to make.

“We brought on a frozen goalkeeper. Everyone sitting here was not warm. Imagine going on there with shorts, a really thin shirt and gloves that are not made for keeping you warm.

“Then some people make the free-kick happen like that. We looked a bit silly in that moment but you have to accept it.

“We carried on fighting and Adrian helped us with two really good saves and crosses he caught, but with his cold feet he couldn’t kick the ball as far as he wanted.

“It kept it interesting but in the end the most important thing is we won the game. I am very pleased about that, happy about the effort of the boys and proud of the desire they showed. The red card made it a really special win.”