LONDON: After Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp praised his team’s tenacity.
At the Emirates Stadium, Klopp’s team had to withstand a persistent Arsenal attack before two goals in the last minutes secured them a hard-earned victory.
Luis Diaz sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free kick was headed into his own net by Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior in the 80th minute.
Despite Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah being on international duty and Virgil van Dijk being sick, Liverpool shown they have the fortitude needed to win a championship this year.
“We succeeded in the end. I’m thrilled that we were able to win this match. There is no doubt that Arsenal could have won it. We completed it, and it reflected the boys’ character,” Klopp remarked.
“I’m incredibly happy. It was a really challenging draw. Perhaps the hardest we could have been dealt.”The first half of the game wasn’t really enjoyable. We made some adjustments at halftime. “In the second half, we were much more competitive. We battled for ninety-five minutes and scored the goals.”
Klopp was happy that there would not be an exhausting FA Cup rematch for Premier League leaders Liverpool, who are chasing four trophies and have a League Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham in midweek.
In their quest for their first championship since 2020, Liverpool is two points clear of second-place Aston Villa and five above fourth-place Arsenal.
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By avoiding a repeat with Arsenal, Liverpool will enjoy a rejuvenating break following their match against Fulham until their Premier League trip to Bournemouth on January 21. “We were really hoping to avoid a draw. I’m glad I don’t have to make any decisions right now,” Klopp remarked.
“After Wednesday’s game, there will be a few days off. If you wish to be in our position, we must take action. Winter break will now commence.” The English defender Alexander-Arnold, who continued to propel Liverpool forward in the second half, was praised by Klopp for his impact.
“He played every position in the game, and what a game it was. “His class is evident on the ball,” the German remarked. Arsenal’s once-promising season is currently in limbo as they have only won one of their last six games in all competitions and have lost three straight.
In addition to losing the FA Cup and League Cup, Mikel Arteta’s team is no longer leading the Premier League. Arteta conceded that after missing numerous opportunities to take the lead, they only had themselves to blame.
“Both the performance and the number of opportunities were present. We simply need to win the match, but we didn’t win and we’re not making any money,” he remarked. “
