Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool are now out of the Premier League title race following their demoralising defeat to Arsenal.
Liverpool twice came from behind but were eventually beaten 3-2 at the Emirates on Sunday.
Klopp's side were ripped apart in the opening minute of the match – Gabriel Martinelli putting the home side ahead after being played through on goal from Martin Odegaard.
The Reds hit back through new signing Darwin Nunez and were arguably the better side in the first half. But they suffered a hammer blow just before the interval, when Bukayo Saka stretched to score at the far post after more good work from Martinelli.
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After the break, Arsenal took hold of the game but were pegged back for a second time when substitute Robert Firmino beat Aaron Ramsdale with a superb finish.
Arsenal continued to create chances and were eventually rewarded with a penalty when Gabriel Jesus went down in the box under pressure from Thiago Alcantara.
Liverpool were furious with the decision, with replays showing there was minimal contact, but Saka stepped up to score – securing a crucial 3-2 win for the Gunners, who move a point above Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, are now 10th having won just two of their opening eight league games and are now 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, albeit having played a game less.
After the match, Klopp was asked by beIN Sport reporter Carrie Brown: "You said ahead of this encounter that the title race is over…"
Before Brown could finish her question, Klopp burst into laughter. Watch the video below.
She then added: "Do you really believe that after this performance, it's now a 14-point gap – a big gap, though with a game in hand – are you really writing off the title this early in the season?"
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To which Klopp replied: "Yes of course.
"It's not interesting. If any miracle happens in the next few months all of sudden because of all the others start to lose all of their games and we start winning. That is the first thing we have to do, then we would be in contention again.
"We can talk but this is really not our problem. We understand the situation, we have other problems. We have to find a way to win football games consistently and that hasn't worked out yet this season."
Klopp later clarified his comments in his post-match news conference: "We are not in the title race. It's naive to sit here and think that we are nearly there."
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Liverpool next face Rangers at Ibrox in the Champions League on Wednesday before returning to Premier League action against defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, travel to face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday before taking on Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.
Featured Image Credit: beIN SportsTopics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Football, Premier League, Arsenal
