Liverpool claimed all three points against West Ham on Sunday to make it 16 points from a possible 18 in the Premier League so far, with only Manchester City boasting a better record

• 17:34, 24 Sep 2023
• Updated17:39, 24 Sep 2023

• |
• |
  Bookmark

  |

  Bookmark

Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Darwin Nunez and his side’s fighting qualities as they produced another important Anfield victory.

The Reds overcame a dangerous West Ham side with a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon, to move second in the Premier League. After Mohamed Salah’s early penalty, they overcame the blow of a goal just before half time from Jarrod Bowen, to ultimately win comfortably with a fine second half display, thanks to goals from Nunez and Diogo Jota.

With his side breathing down the neck of Manchester City at the top, Klopp hailed Uruguayan striker Nunez, who has fought back from a poor first season, to make a massive impact.

“Darwin has made massive steps in the last few weeks. He is a threat. You all saw the goal, that was probably pretty good, right? That was really strong,” Klopp said. “He was always available (as a target), it’s super important for us now that we have a ball player, chip the ball, get it on the chest and play from there, that’s how we scored the third goal at Wolves, super important for us.

“The defensive work he puts in is probably the main difference. He always wanted (to do it) but it was less co-ordinated. Now that looks much better.

“We have found a way to do it around him, Curtis (Jones) and Dom (Szoboszlai) help a lot, how flexible they are in that way. It’s really good, absolutely.”

Klopp was impressed with the way Liverpool worked out West Ham, who caused huge problems in the first half, and levelled just before the break, as they adapted brilliantly to the threat of the visitors.

Goals from Nunez and sub Diogo Jota won the game, and the manager said: “That is the most important thing – we have to learn to handle these situations when things are not always going our way.

Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal (

Matt McNulty/Getty Images)Klopp was delighted with the Uruguayan’s showing (

Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“And we did that, we stayed in the game, we fought, and we developed. We were strong, and we defended the set pieces of West Ham really well, then we started really playing.

“Macca and Dom in the midfield, really playing, Mo Salah top, top, top involvement and in the defensive stuff too. It was super positive and I am really happy that we were able to develop like that.”

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this linkto receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.