Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes his side are no longer “childish” in controlling matches after Mohamed Salah‘s penalty edged out Brighton to extend their lead to seven points at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds dominated with more than 70% possession against their cagey hosts but created little in a workmanlike performance until Salah was felled in the area by Pascal Gross. The Egyptian duly lashed the spot-kick left-footed across his body and into the net for a 17th goal of the season. Brighton briefly rallied, with Fabinho – at the heart of Liverpool’s defence for the injured Dejan Lovren – producing a key block to deny Gross in the area as the home side failed to register a shot on target.
“I think it was the most mature performance we have made so far,” Klopp said. “There were a few situations where we could have been a bit more inspired, creative and cool. We know we can control the game and we are not that childish anymore.” Klopp’s side were far from their fluent best but comfortably repelled their hosts to lengthen their advantage in the title race, with third-placed Tottenham playing on Sunday and nearest rivals Manchester City not in action until Monday.
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