Liverpool trio make feelings clear on not playing well but still topping table

11 December 2023 , 02:00

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To return to the top of the table after playing so badly is a good sign for Liverpool's title hopes.

But after needing an 11th goal by a sub this season to scrape a late win at Crystal Palace, it was also a warning that Jurgen Klopp ’s side will have raise their game in two upcoming Anfield blockbusters to be Christmas No.1. Yet either way, the Reds are right in this fascinating title race as match winner Harvey Elliott stated: “Anything can happen in this League.”

From finishing fifth last season, Liverpool will still be out in front on December 25 if they win huge home games with Manchester United on Sunday and then Arsenal six days later. They have still lost only one Premier League game this season - to Tottenham and the VAR officials in September - though the soft sending off of Jordan Ayew and Mo Salah’s deflected equaliser shows luck balances out over a season. But they have not hit the heights of Klopp’s dashing 2019-20 champions.

“We haven't really been playing to the best of our ability but we're winning,” said Elliott. “You'd rather not play that good and get the points. It is about getting three points.

“It's been a hard start to the season so far. It is the toughest league in the world. Every team is going for it, putting us under pressure. Once again we showed resilience and capability to come back and show the fight and keep going. Hopefully at the end of the season we can do it but there is a long way to go.”

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The England Under-21 star admitted he is keeping an eye on title rivals City and Arsenal.

“I just watch football because I love it, I don't care what game it is,” he said. “But yeah you have a little glance.

“Do we have to capitalise when City are struggling because they can go on a run? Yeah, absolutely. They can achieve anything. They're a world-class club with many achievements but so are we.

"And watching Arsenal’s late win at Luton, it's not the best at all. Another unbelievable club with great determination and fight. They are contenders this year, signed some great players in the summer and have world class players as well. It is going to be another tough test for us. It doesn't really help but we can't focus on other teams.”

Harvey Elliott of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the winner (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Elliott’s 74th-minute introduction - Klopp threw on five second-half subs - helped wake up slumbering Liverpool. This win was reminiscent of the draw saved at Luton last month when sub Luis Diaz scored a 90th-minute equaliser. Wataru Endo was hooked at half-time but Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were no more impressive in midfield.

In his post-match press conference, Klopp balked at the question which asked if this squad was different from his Champions League and title winning editions because there is not a clear best 11.

“No, they are a very similar situation,” said the German. He then name-checked Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Xerdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino as important previous squad members.

“So that's what you need to do to make a difference and now we have quality again.” said the German.

Returning keeper Alisson Becker, who made big saves at the start and end of the game, said: "A winning team needs that kind of mentality to keep on coming from behind. Our target, our goal is winning the league. But we need to keep the foot on the ground and play it game by game. The next game is the most important for us.

"We did that in the past when we won the league and this season, we’ll see.”