REDS ARE STILL TOPS FOR KLOPP

THIS time a year ago a red-hot Liverpool were joint leaders of the Premier League and about to thump Watford 6-1 to go top on their own. After an initially laboured victory over bus-parking Huddersfield they now sit sixth, 12 points off table toppers Manchester City. Perhaps it was surprising, then, to hear a relieved Jurgen Klopp say he believes they have the talent to reach the summit again. ‘Do I still think it’s possible [to be top]?’ the Liverpool boss said. ‘Yes, 100 per cent. But I know too it takes time. The boys are good enough.’ For long periods it looked as though they were not good enough to beat a resilient yet limited Terriers. With Halloween looming, Tommy Smith, the Huddersfield captain, tried to help the home side put the previous Sunday’s 4-1 horror show at Tottenham behind them by grabbing Roberto Firmino’s shirt in the area. But Jonas Lossl saved Mohamed Salah’s penalty. No matter. After the break, Smith headed into the path of Daniel Sturridge, who dinked over Lossl. The pressure valve was released, and goals from Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum followed. ‘At this moment it feels good,’ said Klopp. ‘Clean sheet, scored three, reacting to a missed penalty. I’m officially happy.’ Much happier than after that Wembley thumping.