Liverpool could have had two penalties - Klopp

BeSoccer 7 years ago 422
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The Reds were frustrated by West Ham United in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield and the manager feels his side were denied multiple spot-kicks by referee Mark Clattenburg

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool could have been given two penalties as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to West Ham United on Sunday.

Despite taking the lead early on through Adam Lallana, the Reds ultimately ended up needing Divock Origi's effort early in the second half just to secure a point against their struggling visitors.

Michail Antonio added to Dimitri Payet's free-kick just before the break – with both goals putting goalkeeper Loris Karius in the spotlight again after an error-strewn display last week against Bournemouth – but Payet was perhaps lucky to avoid conceding a penalty for a challenge on Lallana in first-half stoppage time.

"I'm pretty sure one or two [penalties] could have been given," Klopp told Sky Sports. "Adam Lallana late in the first half, it could have been a penalty. But it is what it is.

"Second half, handball with Winston Reid. Then there was Divock Origi in the box with a challenge.

"It felt like the whole time we were in their box, but West Ham were there too. You need a little luck."

West Ham's first goal saw Payet exploit Karius' poor positioning at a free-kick, while the goalkeeper hesitated for the second after Joel Matip was caught flatfooted.

Klopp acknowledged that both goals were avoidable, but he refused to openly castigate the two players.

"They fought for everything," he added. "All the goals everyone could do better.

"For the first goal - don't make the foul, don't lose the ball. The second goal was unlucky.

"Joel Matip made a fantastic game and in this moment he couldn't clear the ball – he couldn't react quickly. Loris Karius was surprised and it was too late.

"Obviously we all could have done better. You have to stay strong in the game."

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