Liverpool FC has spectacularly ended its crisis and slowed down ManCity striker Erling Haaland. Coach Jürgen Klopp’s team won 1-0 (0-0) against the previously undefeated English soccer champions in front of the noisy crowd at Anfield Stadium on Sunday, for whom Haaland had previously scored 15 goals in nine Premier League games. Klopp saw the red card in the closing stages due to angry protests. “We put up a great fight,” said Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
Jürgen Klopp (right) in a duel with the linesman – the Liverpool coach sees the red card for this.
(Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty)
The coach had called for a turnaround after Liverpool’s worst start to the season in ten years. And its professionals delivered. The outstanding Mohamed Salah (76th minute) scored for the injured home side, who had to do without Luis Diaz and Naby Keita, among others. “Hopefully that gives us confidence,” said Salah.
After a relatively balanced first half, a toxic game developed in the second half. Salah had his first chance to put Liverpool ahead five minutes after the restart. But City goalkeeper Ederson parried with his fingertips. Almost in return, Phil Foden scored for the Citizens. But the goal didn’t count according to video evidence because assist provider Erling Haaland had previously fouled Fabinho.
Liverpool far from the top of the Premier League
Three days after the spectacular 7-1 victory over Glasgow Rangers in the Champions League, Liverpool played a thrilling game against Man City. The Reds twice missed the chance of a preliminary decision in the closing stages because Darwin Nunez failed to pass the ball to the free-standing Salah and substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to convert an assist.
The game cost both coaches nerves. Klopp protested furiously against a foul on Salah and was sent to the stands by the referee in the 86th minute.
For Liverpool it was only the third win in the ninth game of the season. The Klopp team is eighth. The gap to defending champions City is still ten points, leaders FC Arsenal are already 14 points ahead. Klopp had already ticked off the race for the championship after the worst start to the season for Liverpool in ten years.