Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Virgil van Dijk missed a clear goal-scoring opportunity in the first half of action at the City Ground because he mistakenly thought he was offside.
The Dutchman found himself just six yards from goal and on the receiving end of an excellent cross from James Milner only to head the ball into the path of Bobby Firmino.
“I think two amazing saves. I think the others had better chances when we missed the goal. I think Virgil in the first half thought he was offside, and he wasn’t,” the German told reporters after the match about the Reds’ chances (as broadcast on the club’s official website).
The Merseysiders succumbed to their third league loss this term after ex-Red Taiwo Awoniyi capitalized on a rebound from his opening shot in the 45th second.
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It’s an honest mistake by No. 4, though made all the more painful by the fact that taking an early lead against Nottingham Forest could have seen us win all three points on the day.
Overall, the former Southampton man and his team-mates (with a few exceptions) barely covered themselves in glory in a performance that lacked much clear intention and drive throughout.
That can be attributed in part to the demands of the match schedule and limited squad (thanks in no small part to the spate of injuries of late), though it’s another frustrating setback when it seemed the momentum had shifted in our favor.
#Ep58 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Qualifying Liverpool’s UCL group, making a new signing… and more!
