Klavan: A reaction was important - and that was a good one
'Spot-on' is how Ragnar Klavan chose to sum up Liverpool's approach, mentality and reaction after they recorded a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday evening.
The Reds went into the contest with their top-four rivals on the back of a defeat by the same scoreline at Leicester City on Monday, meaning they’d won just two of 12 games in all competitions in 2017.
However, there were no signs of any apprehension as goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane fired Jürgen Klopp’s side into a two-goal lead by half-time.
Danny Welbeck reduced the arrears for the Gunners just before the hour, but Georginio Wijnaldum’s stoppage-time strike secured the points for Liverpool – and a result of significance, believes Klavan.
The centre-back told Liverpoolfc.com afterwards: “It was really important for the team to come back straight away and to play [well] here at Anfield in front of all those fans. [There were] a lot of emotions today in the game, [it was] a great game from our side.
“Of course, we’re a little bit disappointed that they scored and we didn’t have the clean sheet, but, all in all, 3-1 against Arsenal is a good reaction.
“We were spot-on, everybody was focused, and this is how it [was] especially first half. Second half, we [had] maybe not the best start, that’s why we let them back into the game and they scored [for] 2-1.
“But after that, we defended well, we were compact and in the end Gini scored the third goal and that was it.”
LFCTV GO: Klavan on Reds' win over Gunners
The result moved Liverpool up to third in the Premier League table, despite their inconsistencies since the turn of the year.
“I think this has been the biggest problem for us this season and looking forward we have to just learn from it and grow with it,” said Klavan of the Reds’ up-and-down form. “This is our challenge, we have to take it on and keep on going.”
Klavan turned in a fine display alongside Joel Matip following his recall to the starting line-up, barely putting a foot wrong throughout.
Nevertheless, while hopeful of maintaining a position in the starting XI, the No.17 accepts the competition for places means a start against Burnley is not guaranteed.
Asked whether he felt his performance was enough to retain a place in the team next weekend, Klavan replied: “On a personal note, of course, but for me when I came here I told everybody straight I will help the team as much as possible.
“When I’m needed, I will be there and play, but it’s the manager’s decision what’s going to happen now. For me, it’s always when I play I give my best and try to make the decisions as difficult as possible.”
Free video: Wijnaldum seals win at Anfield