Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his players had to dig deep during their 4-3 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Reds are closing in on their first Premier League title in 29 years following the victory, and are seven points clear of Manchester City in second, though City could close the gap back to four points when they travel to Huddersfield tomorrow.
Mohamed Salah scored his 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool during the win against Palace, with his brace helping Klopp’s side extend their winning run at home seven league games in a row.
Speaking after the game, a relieved Klopp praised his side’s determination to battle for the three points against Palace.
Relief! At half-time we needed to change, thank god it worked. We had to dig in with all we had.
Palace, who had already beaten Liverpool’s title rivals City at the Etihad this season in a stunning 3-2 victory, threatened to take another scalp on their travels when Andros Townsend gave Roy Hodgson’s side the lead in the 34th minute.
Goals from Salah and Roberto Firmino had turned the game around early in the second half, and normal service looked to have been resumed before James Tomkins equalised for Palace.
A huge mistake from ‘keeper Julian Speroni gifted Liverpool the lead in the 75th minute, Salah’s second of the game, before Sadio Mane struck in the 93rd minute to seal all three points for Klopp’s side.
Max Meyer did manage to grab a late consolation in the 95th minutes, but Liverpool held on.
Klopp also praised the resilience of the Liverpool players, who held on to secure a vital win at the top.
Nobody should be surprised about the character of the boys. The boys are ready to fight for all. Today was pretty special.
