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Jurgen Klopp has called two refereeing decisions into question following the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal – claiming Gabriel Jesus seemingly “made up” the contact from Thiago Alcantara that saw Michael Oliver point to the penalty spot. Liverpool were beaten 3-2 at the Emirates and it was Bukayo Saka’s composed strike from 12-yards that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
But Klopp feels the penalty was soft, a sentiment that was shared by the Liverpool players who protested the decision strongly on the field of play.
Tempers soon boiled over between both sets of players with the FA now investigating a scuffle between Jordan Henderson, Gabriel Magalhaes and Granit Xhaka.
The dejected Liverpool boss said: “What can I say now about that situation? He (referee Michael Oliver) thought immediately it’s a penalty, which is interesting but it’s his decision.
“Mr England (VAR Darren England) had a look at it and thought as well it’s a penalty. We know in life if two refs think the same that is the truth and we have to live with.
READ MORE: Liverpool forward Luis Diaz spotted in knee brace and using crutches after Arsenal injury
“They thought it’s a clear not a handball in the first half when Diogo Jota put the ball on Gabriel’s arm. We cannot change that,” Klopp added.
“A couple of things went against us but we are not blind, we see we could have done better in moments. In general it was a good away game against a good side. We caused them a lot of problems but stand here with no points.”
Arsenal are now 14 points clear of Liverpool, who are enduring their worst start to a Premier League campaign in 10 years.
It’s the worst start to a season under Klopp and he is facing serious challenges to turn things around.
He has already conceded that the Premier League title has gone as Liverpool look to focus their efforts on the race for Champions League football, which is still very much in the distance as of now.
“We are not in the title race,” Klopp added. “It’s naïve to sit here and think that we are nearly there.
“We have massive problems at the moment, and I think even in a really bad situation for us, with early changes and things like this, there are real problems and that is the truth for us.”
To make matters worse, Luis Diaz left the Emirates Stadium on crutches and with his knee in a brace after the Colombian picked up an injury problem in the first half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was also subbed at half-time after picking up an ankle problem sustained following an unfortunate challenge from Gabriel Martinelli.
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