Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been gloating over his team’s victory over Manchester United at Anfield, describing it as “perfect”.
Liverpool ran out 7-0 winners against a really under-par Red Devils despite only having eight shots on target.
Klopp spoke to reporters after the game and expressed his delight at the victory that came at United’s expense.
The German coach said “No words”, before providing a lot of words about how Liverpool “played top football” and “score[d] this incredible goal, what a pass, what a finish.”
Klopp added that his team’s performance “was perfect.”
“Tonight was a proper show of what we could be and what we can be,” he said.
It was an opportunity to show some sort of collegial support for his counterpart, Erik ten Hag, and some humility and graciousness in victory. Klopp did none of the above.
He did not acknowledge that United were the better team in the first half nor that eight shots on target in a home game does not normally earn or deserve seven goals.
The 55-year-old admitted simply that it was a “freak” occurrence.
For United, the post-mortem begins to determine what went wrong and how to resolve the situation going forward.
The most worrying thing is just how the team folded and cowered, allowing themselves to be cut open so easily. In a matter of minutes, United capitulated and the outcome was a humiliating result.
In seven minutes, Manchester United went from right in the game towards a 7-0 annihilation.
Erik ten Hag was alarmed by the speed and manner of collapse at Anfield and won't allow fatigue to be used as an excuse. His "many leaders" lost their heads: https://t.co/0tRUasvvCo
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) March 6, 2023
Erik ten Hag spoke after the game and relayed his personal embarrassment about the loss and his team’s performance – sentiments that were echoed by Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw.
VIDEO: 19 year old Liverpool player caught annoying Man United’s Garnacho yesterday with cheeky gesture
Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott was captured annoying Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho with a cheeky gesture during yesterday’s 7-0 victory.
After an incredible performance in the middle of the park, the 19-year-old was subbed off by Jurgen Klopp in the 85th minute.
Clapping the fans as he walked off, the midfielder caught the passing eye of Garnacho – who’s side were 6-0 down at the time.
Much to the amusement of Liverpool fans, Elliott was videoed winking and smirking at the United player as he left the pitch.
This moment was captured and uploaded to TikTok, which later circulated on Twitter.
Okay. I now love Harvey Elliott pic.twitter.com/dIIBdVlWpy
— CF Comps (@CF_Compss) March 6, 2023
Elliott annoyed Garnacho with cheeky smirk
With many incredible displays against United yesterday, Elliott was the one Liverpool player who probably put in his best performance of his career.
As per Squawka statistics, the 19-year-old dominated defensively.
He won possession on nine occasions, also winning seven duels and a further four tackles.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Harvey Elliott of Liverpool celebrates after Darwin Nunez of Liverpool (not pictured) scores the team’s fifth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield on March 05, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Furthermore, he completed two out of two take-ons, created a big chance and finished the game with an assist.
Ahead of the match-up, some Reds fans were worried about the teenager’s inclusion.
However, Elliott proved his doubters wrong, asserting himself as one of the best midfield options Klopp has at his disposal.