Latest on Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp hopes that Liverpool makes a statement against Arsenal on Sunday
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is hoping for a reaction from his underperforming players when they face Arsenal on Sunday, following a lifeless performance in a goalless draw at Chelsea in midweek, which followed a string of dismal displays.
After Tuesday’s draw, Liverpool dropped two spots to eighth in the league, with 43 points after 28 games, 10 points outside the top four. The stalemate at Stamford Bridge marked Klopp’s side’s fourth straight game without a win in all competitions, continuing their season of inconsistency.
Despite winning just one of their previous eight games away from Anfield, the Merseyside club has a fantastic home record in the league this season, with only Leeds United defeating them at home. Klopp stated that they will attempt to build on that when they host Arsenal, the first visitors to Anfield since Liverpool thrashed Manchester United 7-0 at the start of last month.
“This (Chelsea) game has gone and now we have another chance. We will give it a proper try and we will need Anfield,” Klopp told reporters on Friday.
“We’re at home and we still have to show a reaction and an improvement.”
Despite losing 3-2 away to Arsenal in their first encounter this season in October, Liverpool has won their last six home league meetings with the London club, scoring at least three goals on each occasion.
Klopp praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, stating the Spaniard had done a “pretty impressive” job as the Gunners top the table by eight points, having played one more game than second-placed Manchester City.
“I know people ask for time for managers but I really think Mikel deserved each minute he got there when things were not going well because they are there (at the top) now,” Klopp said.
“The team is very well set up, good transfers on top of that but a really stable team. That’s what they’re using now.”
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, winger Luis Diaz, and midfielder Thiago Alcantara have all returned to training, but Diaz, who Klopp hopes to be completely fit for next Monday’s trip to Leeds United, may be too soon for Sunday’s game.
Here is another article that might interest you: A guide to starting Fantasy Football.
