Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool should have been awarded a stoppage time penalty during the club’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Anfield.
The crunch clash between the Premier League rivals lived up to its billing during a gripping game, with the spoils shared after a breathless 90 minutes.
John Stones turned in from Kevin De Bruyne’s driven corner kick to open the scoring for Manchester City in the first half, though Liverpool grew into the game and dominated after the break.
Liverpool levelled from the penalty spot after Darwin Nunez was brought down inside the box, with Alexis Mac Allister confidently dispatching the spot-kick to equalise.
Luis Diaz and Nunez both had good chances to win for Liverpool, while Jeremy Doku struck the post for the visitors late on.
There was more drama in stoppage time as City survived under real pressure from the home team, with Doku fortunate to escape punishment after a high foot caught Mac Allister inside the area. Klopp believes the incident was ‘100% a penalty’ as City escaped with a point.
“It was 100% a penalty. They will find an explanation. It was 100% foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card,” Klopp said to Sky Sports.
“All the people with ipads around me were ‘wow, clear’. Maybe they can hide behind the phrase it is not clear and obvious.
“It is of course a penalty but we didn’t get it and that is fine. The most important thing for me is that we can play football like that. I saw so many sensational performances today.”
Despite the draw, Klopp was full of praise for the performance of his team, calling Liverpool’s second-half showing their best ever against Pep Guardiola’s side.
“Sensational. First 10 minutes we were in a bit of a rush and Manchester City were directly there.
“The second half was the best we ever played against Manchester City, definitely.
“They hit the post of course but we should have scored two or three goals. Exceptional football game. Wow!
“For me, we proved today the first time 100% we are exactly where we should be. We will fight for it and see what we can get.
“I don’t think I’ve seen them struggling like they were today. We were outstanding.
“The mother of all results is the performance. The good things we have to keep doing.”
Liverpool sit second in the Premier League table, behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference. Manchester City are a further point behind. The Reds return to action against Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday evening, before facing Manchester United in the FA Cup next weekend.
