Bridge too Sarr
Reds fall short of record as Hornets inflict shock loss
Jurgen Klopp insisted his side must learn a painful lesson after Ismaila Sarr’s double ended Liverpool’s bid to become Invincibles.
The Senegal ace bagged two quick- f ire goals before Troy Deeney put the icing on the cake as Watford ended the Reds’ 44-game unbeaten streak – and hopes of a record 19 Premier League victories in a row.
Anfield boss Klopp said: “You have to accept it, it’s not so easy but it’s the proof we were not good enough. We were 3-0 down but we still tried, there were no silly situations where somebody got frustrated and tried to kick someone. If you win, good. If you lose, try to do it in the right manner and do it like a man.”
A frustrating first half saw the champions-elect manage just one shot on target.
Roberto Pereyra replaced
Gerard Deulofeud, who suffered a knee injury, and almost set up the opener when he sent Sarr to test the Liverpool keeper.
But eventually Watford made their dominance count when Liverpool failed to deal with a throw-in. Abdoulaye Doucoure was first to the loose ball and f ired across goal for the unmarked Sarr to smash home.
Just six minutes later, Hornets fans were in dreamland.
Will Hughes kept the ball in at the byeline then Deeney’s fine pass sent Sarr scurrying away and, with only Alisson to beat, he dribbled into the area and cooly chipped the Brazilian.
Klopp turned to Adam Lallana and Divock Origi and the former hit the outside of the post with his first contribution.
But it was Watford who would strike again, Sarr the provider for Deeney to stroke in after Trent Alexander-Arnold lost possession.
Hornets boss Nigel Pearson said: “It’s an important win but still one win. We have to deliver that performance every week.’