Klopp in a spin over Reds flop

LIVERPOOL last night made it three games without a win as they missed the chance to pull clear at the top of the Premier League table by losing 1-0 at Southampton. The champions went down to an early goal by their former striker Danny Ings, with defeat opening the door for Manchester United to go above them if they avoid defeat at Burnley a week today. Boss Jurgen Klopp, whose team have only taken two points from a potential nine after draws with Newcastle and West Brom, said of their latest flop: ‘What was disappointing? How long have we got? The start, obviously. Not only the goal but the start in general. ‘Congratulations to Southampton. They

deserved it. You know exactly what you are going to get from them. You cannot be surprised but we looked surprised. ‘We should have done much better. We played into their hands with the start. ‘Our decision-making was just not good. That is how it is when you don’t have momentum. These are outstanding players but they were not ready from the start.’ Klopp also felt some decisions had gone against his team. ‘Sadio Mane should have had a penalty tonight, and there was the handball,’ he said. ‘It’s not an excuse for the performance but you can get a point if they are given.’

Matchwinner Ings, whose goal left Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in sixth place, said: ‘We knew it would be tough and it was so important that we were disciplined.’ Former Celtic keeper Fraser Forster, who stood in for Alex McCarthy after he tested positive for Covid, made his first Saints appearance since May 2019.