Jurgen Klopp lauded what he described as an “exceptional performance” as Liverpool closed in on the Premier League title with a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Liverpool is on trail of ending a 30-year wait to lift the Premier League title as they need two more points. Most likely, the Reds could clinch the title on Thursday evening should Manchester City fail to defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
After the goalless Merseyside derby at Everton on Sunday, Liverpool shook off the cobwebs in their first home game since the campaign was halted to beat Crystal Palace with almost embarrassing ease.
Anfield was without fans and Liverpool played with familiar intensity. Although, Palace’s cause was hardly helped by the early loss of Wilfred Zaha to injury.
Klopp was left delighted by his side’s display throughout the match. Palace was overturned with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sublime free-kick after 22 minutes setting them on their way.
The Egyptian King, Mohammed Salah’s cool finish added a second ahead of the break before Fabinho’s long-range piledriver and Sadio Mane’s clinical break capped a fine evenings’ work.
Fabinho’s extra special night
Liverpool’s world-class attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Mohammed Salah, and Sadio Mane took most of the headline. However, no one should underestimate the influence of Fabinho.
The languid midfield man is the complete operator who showed all phases of his game in what turned into a stroll.
The Brazilian ran midfield while demonstrating his class as a creator and a goal scorer. Fabinho’s pass to Salah for Liverpool’s second goal was a masterpiece of touch and vision. The midfielder again showed his potency from long range when he flashed the stunning goal past the helpless Hennessey in front of a kop populated by flags.
Liverpool’s season has been a complete team performance. Fabinho has played his full part despite a lengthy absence through injury in the middle of the campaign.
“We do not want to wait”
“Imagine how this stadium would have been full today and all the people could have experienced it live”. Klopp said.
“I don’t think the game could have been better because my boys played like everybody was in the stadium. The atmosphere on the pitch was incredible. That was the best counter-pressing game I have ever seen”.
“The boys are in good shape and in a good mood. It was important we showed our supporters we are still here and we do not want to wait”.