This afternoon there were really hard decisions to make with Roberto [Firmino] – a very good player and it was only a little issue, but I had to make the decision, in the end, to say it was not possible [for him to play], Klopp confirmed after the win over Chelsea.
Advertisement
Liverpool got the better of Chelsea during the league meeting last season, winning the away fixture 3-1 and earning a draw at Anfield.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson (R) celebrates scoring a goal against Chelsea during their Premier League match at Stamford Bridge Friday.
They have also hammered reigning champions Leicester and were good value for this victory as Chelsea simply did not turn up before the interval.
– Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last seven home Premier League games against Liverpool, last doing so in October 2009.
Diego Costa dragged Chelsea back into it but Liverpool held on to claim an excellent three points.
The Spain striker had a chance to level shortly afterwards but could only sting the palms of Simon Mignolet with a low effort before Courtois made a good save to keep out Liverpool substitute Divock Origi, who easily lost Luiz before heading towards goal.
Klopp was dismissive when it was put to him that his players might struggle to sustain such a rhythm and said their dominance of possession in the first half had actually helped them save energy. They pressurised us and we couldn’t cope with it.
“In the second half, the approach was better, and we scored the goal – another through Costa – but in the end it’s a pity”.
Speaking after the defeat – his first since arriving at the Bridge – Conte was heavily critical of his side’s defending, and demanded they pay more attention in the future. First, it was a world-class finish from center back Dejan Lovren off a Coutinho assist that put them in the lead. We adapt the quality to the skills of the player, and try and win a lot of games of football.
After the brilliant start to the season, this was seen as the first big test for Chelsea and Antonio Conte. First half we didn’t have the duels, we didn’t have the second ball, everything was for them.
With just 10 minutes of the first half remaining, the ball fell at Henderson’s feet 30 yards from goal; a seemingly harmless position.
Jurgen klopp said Liverpool “played football like hell” in their 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea on Friday.
Advertisement
Just two minutes later and the Spain global could have levelled the match but his instinctive effort was saved well by Simon Mignolet.
