Jurgen Klopp says it was a “brilliant afternoon” for Liverpool as they defeated Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Reds looked in complete control of the contest after Sadio Mane’s 26th-minute strike, which was his 11th in his last 11 games in all competitions, gave the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.
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However, Liverpool failed to put the match to bed and they were pegged back in the 74th minute when Ryan Babel capitalised on mistakes from centre-back Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson. But Fulham’s leaky defence was made to pay nine minutes from time when James Milner converted from the spot after Mane was brought down in the box by keeper Sergio Rico.
Liverpool have moved back to the Premier League summit courtesy of that win and Klopp expressed his delight after clinching a massive three points. He told Sky Sports: “We started really well, and did a lot of good things but lost the rhythm a bit. I am not the most experienced manager and I have similar problems after Champions League games.
“First half a bit rusty. Second half we could have finished it off and then it is clear at 1-0 if you don’t kill it off that can happen. Babel was there that is how football is. They deserved a goal but we deserved three points. A brilliant afternoon I have to say.
“I am not in any doubt about my players nerves. It is about intensity. We go for perfection but it is rare that you get it. Burnley, Munich, Fulham – you have to adapt. People will say we need to be more convincing, but we are at the start of a development, not the end.”
