05 February 2024 , 15:01
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Jamie Carragher was shocked that Jurgen Klopp did not choose to make a half-time substitution during Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal.
The Reds slipped to just their second Premier League defeat of the campaign on Sunday evening. Bukayo Saka had put Arsenal ahead before Gabriel Magalhaes’ freak own goal. The Gunners eventually sealed what was a deserved victory through Gabriel Martinelli, who profited from miscommunication between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, and a further goal from Leandro Trossard.
It was a difficult evening for Liverpool, who struggled throughout the 90 minutes. Ex-Reds star Carragher thought Klopp would make changes at half-time and was left taken aback after he didn’t. Speaking on Sky Sports during the game, he said: “Looks like the teams have come out and there’s no changes.
“I must say I’m very shocked by that. Maybe the equalising goal before half-time has changed Jurgen Klopp’s plans, because I was certain he would make changes.”
Carragher’s criticism for Klopp’s lack of half-time substitutions was not the only aspect that he took exception to. He was also left unhappy with Arsenal’s celebrations come the full-time whistle, with captain Martin Odegaard spotted taking a photograph of a staff member.
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He said: "Deary me. Just get down the tunnel, you've won a game, it's three points. You've been brilliant, they're back in the title race, get down the tunnel. I'm serious, honestly."
Jurgen Klopp chose to not make a change at half-time vs Arsenal (Getty Images)What went wrong for Liverpool vs Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Odegaard has since fired back at Carragher and claimed the importance of the victory justifies his side’s celebrations. He said: "If you're not allowed to celebrate when you win a game, when are you allowed to celebrate? We're happy with the win and we'll stay humble."
The former Real Madrid star added: "No, I think everyone who loves football, who understands football, they know how much it means to win this game. We keep working hard and we prepare for the next one, but of course you have to be happy when you win.
"It was a massive game. It could have been eight points [the gap to Liverpool if Arsenal lost] and it would look a lot more difficult then, but we showed up, the fans were unbelievable.
"I think we all did this together. You see the club, how together we are, all the players, staff, supporters, everything. So yeah, brilliant to see."
Arsenal will be aiming to add to their celebrations next weekend as they eye the Premier League summit. Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the London Stadium on Sunday to take on West Ham. Elsewhere, Liverpool will hope to get back to winning ways as they welcome Burnley to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.