Liverpool's lack of cutting edge leaves Jurgen Klopp feeling frustrated following Sunderland draw
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Jurgen Klopp left Sunderland holding his hands up and saying: “I'm sorry about my mood.”
There was frustration at the result. Simmering anger at disputed decisions. Bubbling annoyance at how victory slipped away.
“I don't look like the best loser in the world,” he added.
Of course this wasn't a Liverpool defeat, but it clearly felt like one against prime relegation candidates, who refused to bow down to lowly expectations.
A self-inflicted giving away of two points in a title race that could soon run away in Chelsea's favour.
(Photo: Getty Images Europe)
Sadio Mane was at the centre of the action – first claiming a possible victory with a hard fought late goal that put Liverpool in the lead.
He tapped in at the back post for his ninth of the season consolidating his leading scorer berth.
But just as the key man was ready to celebrate a parting gift before he heads to the Cup of African Nations, Mane threw it away.
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
First ref Anthony Taylor gave Liverpool a free kick as Jermain Defoe went to ground on the edge of the box.
Sub Lucas didn't look to have made much contact with the Sunderland striker, the cause of Klopp's rage, and Seb Larsson fired the free kick goalward.
Mane instinctively stuck out his hand and conceded a penalty – this second Sunderland spot kick not in dispute.
Who better than Jermain Defoe to step up for his 11th of the season and second of the game to clinch a point for his relegation threatened side.
It means Chelsea can go eight points clear at the top if they beat Spurs.
It was a dispiriting way for the second half of the season to start for Merseysiders. Their 43 points was their best first half since 2008, and they'll need a repeat to catch Chelsea.
(Photo: Liverpool FC via Getty)
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
This was a slightly jaded Kop performance, but with huge possession, and a lack of cutting edge to exploit their superiority.
Liverpool spent the first half cruising in second gear, soon discovering they were facing a gritty home side stung by being labelled “dire” and “shambolic” by Moyes 48 hours earlier.
Daniel Sturridge, starting his first league game since October 17, showed he deserved the recall with the opening goal.
The England striker flicked a clever header past Vito Mannone as Sunderland's marking went awry at a corner.
(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
James Milner swung in the kick, Dejan Lovren volleyed into the ground and Sturridge poached six yards out to make it two goals in two games and eight this season.
Moyes' men showed some spirit and mounted a revival.
Ref Taylor gave them a way back when he awarded a penalty against Ragnar Klavan and Gini Wijnaldum.
Didier Ndong burst into the penalty area and tried to squeeze into a small gap between the Liverpool pair and went to ground. It looked a generous decision.
(Photo: Getty Images Europe)
(Photo: Reuters)
Defoe converted to reach double figures, and joining Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney as the only players to get ten goals in ten seasons or more in the Premier League.
Defoe could have had a second when sent clear on goal by Adnan Januzaj's brilliant through ball, but former Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet saved expertly at his feet.
Sunderland should have had another penalty when Emre Can controlled with his arm after Adnan Januzaj's flick.
Liverpool toyed with Sunderland for long periods, and Sturridge had four long range shots that forced the excellent Mannone to push clear at full stretch.
Wijnaldum also had a good shot tipped over but the away side failed to capitalise in the first half.
(Photo: REUTERS)
Moyes could only field four first choice starters, and three unknown teenagers on the bench – but his men turned in a forceful spoiling display.
Klopp was so disgruntled he had words with the ref on the pitch at the final.
The charming smile had gone.