No fireworks but Klopp happy with points

LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp admitted that while he was disappointed with his team’s performance, he was “very happy” with the result as the Anfield side beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park.

A James Milner penalty and Sadio Mane strike saw Liverpool maintain their 100-per-cent record in the Premier League after two games.

Klopp said: “It was not a brilliant performance, both full-backs can play perhaps 70-per-cent or 80-per-cent better. But I like the two goals we scored and I’m very happy with the result.”

Asked if his team can be viewed as legitimate title challengers after two games, though, he told Sky Sports: “It’s very early, to be honest. I couldn’t care less, it’s not important. We are not in a race with other Premier League teams each weekend. [We] have to take it like it is and be a real challenger, and that’s what we are.”

Liverpool went 1-0 ahead on the stroke of halftime when Milner scored from a dubious 45th-minute penalty. Mamadou Sakho had been penalised for a clumsy challenge on Mohamed Salah, when the Egyptian went to ground in the area under minimal contact.

The hosts suffered a telling blow with 15 minutes remaining when full-back Aaron WanBissaka was sent off for bringing down Salah when he was through on goal.

Liverpool clinched the match in stoppage time when Salah sent Mane racing clear and he rounded keeper Wayne Hennessey to make it 2-0.