Jurgen gets right old jolly after Reds lick ‘Toffees’

JURGEN Klopp finally had a reason to celebrate Christmas after Sadio Mane’s dramatic 94th-minute goal saw his side move second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory in the Merseyside derby at Everton.

The result hauled Liverpool to within six points of leaders Chelsea heading into the holiday period, the perfect way for the club to prepare for their festivities. “I’m really happy,” said Klopp, who made his first trip to Goodison Park.

“We now have 37 points and that’s good. It could have been 40-something but that’s okay [they dropped five points recently against Bournemouth and West Ham after leading in both].

“Tomorrow [yesterday] is our Christmas party and this is the first party we have had after a win! It’s unbelievably close and difficult each week ....”

Until Mane struck home a rebound from Daniel Sturridge’s shot, the game’s main talking point had been Ross Barkley escaping a red card after a high stamp, above the ankle of Liverpool and England midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Klopp’s Everton counterpart Ronald Koeman agreed with Klopp that Barkley could have been dismissed.

However, as Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren was involved in a shoving match that followed the incident, the Dutchman believed the opposition player might have been dismissed having already been booked. “It was a tough tackle, maybe it’s a red,” “The Toffees” mentor said.

The game, and the manner of the goal, was a boost for England forward Sturridge, who had been sidelined for over a month through injury and struggled for consistent fitness this season. — AFP