In view of the next disappointment, coach Jürgen Klopp has announced activities at Liverpool FC after this season. After the meager 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, the German coach stated: “It’s absolutely clear that we have to do something in the summer. At the moment we just have to get through it.”
Three days after losing 5-2 at home in the Champions League round of 16 first leg to Real Madrid, the draw in London was another setback for Liverpool in their bid to regain their place in Europe’s top flight. Klopp showed understanding for possible criticism and disappointment in the performance against Crystal Palace, but also stated: “It looked like we had lost the game – we didn’t.” His team was unlucky in the game with two crossbar hits.
Looking at the performances so far this season, Klopp also conceded: “It’s not going to be the season in the history books that people want to look at again and again. There won’t be any big films about that.” The 55-year-old’s team now has 21 points fewer than leaders Arsenal. Even fifth-placed Newcastle already have a five-point lead.
The Londoners defended their lead with a 1-0 (0-0) win at Leicester City. Defending champions Manchester City follow, two points a game more, at 55 points. Coach Pep Guardiola’s team won 4-1 (3-0) at AFC Bournemouth, including a goal from Erling Haaland.
After a mostly uneventful first half, Arsenal refuted a weakness they’ve often shown of late, that of not being effective enough in front of goal. After a pass from Leandro Trossard, Brazilian World Cup participant Gabriel Martinelli shot the 1-0 lead in front of England coach Gareth Southgate right after the restart. Martinelli increased the Gunners’ title hopes with the goal in the 46th minute.
Manchester City and the strong captain Ilkay Gündogan had no problems with the penultimate Bournemouth after the 1-1 draw at RB Leipzig last Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League. The former Dortmund player Haaland first hit the crossbar after 15 minutes, Argentina’s world champion Julian Alvarez then brought the ball over the line from close range. The guests pushed for more goals and were rewarded: Haaland with his 27th league goal of the season (29th minute), Phil Foden (45th) and Chris Mepham (51st / own goal) increased to 4-0. Jefferson Lerma shortened to 1: 4 (83rd).
