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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp declared himself satisfied with a point and shut down suggestions the Reds should have defeated Chelsea because they had one extra player on the pitch for the second half. Liverpool could only draw 1-1 against their title rivals at Anfield on Sunday evening but Klopp says it was not an advantage playing against 10 men after the interval.
Liverpool were unable to grind Chelsea down despite the visitors seeing Reece James dismissed for a handball on the line before half-time.
Mohamed Salah stepped up to level from the penalty spot and cancel out Kai Havertz’s terrific header earlier in the first 45 minutes at the Kop end.
The Reds came flying out of the blocks in the second half and looked eager to press on for victory but were unable to find a way past Edouard Mendy.
Chelsea held their own as Liverpool’s energy levels dropped after the hour mark and the home team failed to create clear enough opportunities to take the full three points.
That means they are level with West Ham, Chelsea and Everton on seven points after three games with both Tottenham able to leapfrog the quartet on Sunday against Watford.
Yet Klopp insisted afterwards that he was fine with the end result and dismissed any claims Liverpool should be overly disappointed not to have won because of how well and how deep Chelsea defended after the break.
He said: “A really exciting game. It was tough, it was hard for both teams. Really good first half, really good. A good 45 minutes. The first situation of Chelsea, we conceded a goal, that’s not cool.
“Everyone who watches Chelsea knows they’re pretty good in defending. The penalty we got was very deserved. I feel for Reece but it was a clear penalty. We forced the situation. We played good.
“There is no advantage. There’s an advantage if they had possession. But the defensive structure changed only that they defended slightly deeper. They have eight players defending the area around the box.
“We couldn’t use that. We had shots from distance, Mendy saved them. I would have loved to see that we were a little bit closer for the rebound or whatever.
“A good game, a highly intense game. We played a good game. I loved the intensity and the atmosphere we created all together. Chelsea deserved a draw. We got a point as well so we’re better than before.
“We drew against the best team in Europe last season. That’s OK. Three games played, seven points, let’s go. I’m not surprised or whatever. We’re in a good shape. We just have to
carry on. There’s no easy games.
“Sunday we play Leeds United. That’s one of the most intense games in the world of football. They run like crazy. You have to put a proper shift in.”
Harvey Elliott was a surprise starter in midfield and the teenager again impressed across the 90 minutes having been the standout performer against Burnley in the previous match.
Klopp added: “Really good. Really good. The triangle on the right side works quite well, the understanding between Mo, Harvey and Trent is pretty good.
“Harvey was fine. He always had the ball and was trying to get through this wall. Hendo had really not a pre-season. Today I wanted his energy.
“He played a super game but then step by step, same for Robbo, we needed fresh legs.”
Roberto Firmino was forced off with injury in the first half with Diogo Jota replacing him and Klopp confirmed he believes the Brazilian has suffered a muscle injury.
He continued: “Firmino is not really OK. It’s probably a muscle problem. I hope it’s not too big.”
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