KLOPP HAS TO SORT IT
EVERY KICK, EVERY GOAL, EVERY GAME
JURGEN KLOPP admits Liverpool have set-piece “issues”.
It is something that needs to be sorted if they are going to mount a serious title challenge in the Premier League.
For all their brilliance in attack, the frailties at the back could still derail their ride to the top end of the table if they are not careful.
West Brom arrived at Anfield with what midfielder James Morrison called a “weapon” which was to pump it high from dead balls to their big target men.
Strike
Gareth McAuley made the most of his chance when he was allowed to control the ball on his shoulder and rifle home from close range after a Chris Brunt corner was knocked on.
It didn’t alter the result but McAuley’s 81st-minute strike kept Liverpool behind Arsenal on goal difference.
Brilliant first-half efforts from Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho were enough to stretch Liverpool’s unbeaten run to nine games.
“If people say we have some issues with set-pieces how can we say they are wrong,” said boss Klopp.
“I think 70/80 per cent of the goals we have conceded are from set-pieces.
“But they are all different and we are still working on it. We defended brilliantly against Manchester United but against West Brom it was so difficult.”
Asked about his seemingly lightweight defence the German said: “I’ve heard this a few times and I lose respect when people say this. Do you believe that we work on it?
“It is not the same problem we had last year. I like it more than when they create chances whenever they want because we defend like crazy.
“I’m fine with this for the moment but only PHILIPPE COUTINHO Class apart MATT PHILLIPS Barely touched the ball