18 December 2023 , 04:00
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Jurgen Klopp has claimed Liverpool's counter-pressing is their most valuable weapon in their battle for the Premier League title.
The Reds sit second in the table and one point behind current leaders Arsenal after their draw with Manchester United. Klopp's side enjoyed a dominant display against their fierce rivals and generated a number of welcome opportunities.
However, they were unable to get their noses in front and had to make do with a point at Anfield. Klopp was left impressed with his side's performance and claimed their counter-pressing against the Red Devils was the best it has been over recent seasons.
Speaking after Sunday's stalemate, he said: "A lot of good things but the one thing I don’t like is the result. We had opportunities but we should’ve had more, better chances as well.
"The intensity of the game, everyone saw we really wanted it. The counter-pressing has probably been the best since this group was put together, we hardly let them out of their half in the first half.
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"I can’t remember such a dominant performance against Man United - even the 7-0 last season they were more in the game. But it’s 0-0, they probably feel slightly better than us and for us, it’s taking the point and carrying on."
Klopp later stated his belief that the strength of Liverpool's title challenge will rely on how well they can counter-press opposition teams over the remainder of the season. Liverpool were well fancied to rack-up a dominant victory particularly after their 7-0 thumping of Man United last term.
Jurgen Klopp was unable to guide his side to victory against Man United (Getty Images)What went wrong for Liverpool vs Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Asked if the game went as he expected, Klopp replied: "Yeah, like that. It was expected, if you play a tight style it’s difficult for the opposite team to get out of their own half and we should’ve had a few shots.
"Today we oversaw a few overlaps, a few square balls. The way United defended, it wasn’t perfectly organised but it was full of passion - and they defended well with passion, they flew at everything and they produced.
"We couldn’t calm down and see the free player that was there and couldn’t score. We didn’t change the dynamic of the game and in the end it’s a 0-0."
Liverpool will be aiming to get back to winning ways next weekend in what is another testing assignment. They welcome title rivals Arsenal to Anfield next Saturday.
The Reds could jump to the top of the table with victory over Mikel Arteta's side, while a defeat would put them four points off the pace in the race for the title. The Gunners hold a one-point lead following their 2-0 victory over Brighton earlier on Sunday.