Jurgen Klopp reaction: Liverpool boss gives updates on Nunez, Thiago injuries after Alisson penalty heroics earn narrow win

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool v West Ham
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6th • EPL

Jurgen Klopp gave an update on injuries to matchwinner Darwin Nunez and midfielder Thiago following the narrow 1-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday evening.

Nunez scored his first Anfield goal for the Reds and Alisson saved a penalty as Liverpool defeated the Hammers an incident-packed encounter on Merseyside.

The striker had already gone close with a rasping attempt when he rose to meet Kostas Tsimikas’ cross and plant a downward header beyond the reach of Lukasz Fabianski.

The busy Nunez was presented with a chance to double the lead moments later. However, Fabianski was able to save before the Hammers were awarded a penalty after Joe Gomez’s foul on Jarrod Bowen.

Bowen picked himself up to take it but Alisson produced a fine diving save in front of the Kop to ensure Liverpool backed up their excellent win over Manchester City on Sunday with another three points.

Liverpool did have injury concerns, however, with Nunez and Thiago both being forced off before the hour mark.

However, speaking after the game, Klopp told Amazon Prime: “He [Nunez] felt a little bit the hamstring at half-time, so then you have to make early changes, which is absolutely fine, we can do that.

“We have to consider different things. Thiago stretched once on the pitch, which is for me a warning sign that we have to react pretty much on everything, so it was clear we had to change him.

“With Darwin, at half-time, everybody said ‘no it’s fine, it’s fine’. But when somebody is five minutes on the bed then I’m concerned as well, it was a precaution.

“Then we needed a bit more size because immediately. With Harvey coming on, we get a bit smaller, and against West Ham, set pieces are a massive feature for them, so we had to figure out how we could deal with all the different situations.

“They’re all okay, I think we picked them all in the right moments.”

Alisson plays down penalty heroics

Reds hero Alisson added: “It was a really tough game, a tough match. The opponent gave us hard work. But we did a good job to create more chances than them, especially in the first half.

“When a goalkeeper saves a penalty it is always a massive thing. I believe the responsibility is on the penalty taker, the biggest advantage is in their hands but we work hard every to be fit, strong and have a good reaction.

“I’m pleased to make the save and help the team get the win. To save a penalty I need to be fast, agile, everything. It is also a mental moment and be clear to make the right decision.”

On Nunez scoring his first goal at Anfield, Alisson added: “He scored a goal and had more chances. He helped us in the defensive phase, trying to run after the opponent and get the ball.

“He created a lot chances to score and could have scored more. But I’m happy he score his first goal at Anfield.

“He’s a good lad, works hard every day and has good mentality. I’m very happy for him.”

READ MORE: Liverpool ace tipped to become ‘incredible’ player as Gus Poyet challenges wisdom of transfer timing

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