Klopp says key decisions cost Liverpool against West Ham

Liverpool boss claims a foul on Alisson in buildup to West Ham equaliser and a red-card challenge by Cresswell on Henderson that went unpunished contributed to defeat

Kurt Zouma of West Ham United celebrates after scoring their side's third goal against Liverpool in a 3-2 win at London Stadium on November 07, 2021. Getty Images

West Ham United's Kurt Zouma celebrates scoring their third goal. Reuters

West Ham United's Kurt Zouma scores their third goal. Reuters

West Ham United's Pablo Fornals scores their second goal. PA

West Ham United's Pablo Fornals celebrates. Reuters

Alisson Becker of Liverpool wipes his head with a towel. Getty Images

Liverpool's Alisson scores an own goal. Reuters

Liverpool's Alisson scores an own goal and West Ham United's first. Reuters

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold attempts a shot on goal. PA

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold scores their first goal. Reuters

Divock Origi of Liverpool has a headed shot whilst under pressure from Craig Dawson and Ben Johnson of West Ham United. Getty Images

Divock Origi of Liverpool battles for possession with Said Benrahma of West Ham United. Getty Images

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp felt two key decisions went against his side and contributed to their 3-2 defeat at West Ham United on Sunday.

The Reds arrived at the London Stadium knowing that if they avoided defeat they would extend their unbeaten run to 26 matches, beating the club’s all-time record set by Bob Paisley’s team in 1982.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick just before half time looked to put Liverpool on course but West Ham have lofty ambitions themselves this season and proved it in the second half when Pablo Fornals, whose corner had been palmed in by Reds keeper Alisson for the opening goal, broke away to score a second.

Kurt Zouma then headed a third and although Divock Origi pulled one back with seven minutes remaining, the Hammers held on for a notable victory.

However, Klopp was adamant West Ham’s first goal should not have stood as Angelo Ogbonna had impeded Alisson, and he felt Aaron Cresswell should have been red-carded for a first-half challenge on Jordan Henderson.

“In the first half we had complete control of game, scored a wonderful equaliser and were in charge of the game," Klopp said.

“In the second half they scored from a counter and a set piece. But also that happened because we should have controlled the game still in the second half. It looked like we lost patience.

“So we lost that game. But I think it’s a clear foul on Alisson, how can it not be? When you see the dynamic of the situation how can that not be a foul?

“Then I saw only the situation with Aaron and Hendo now, and the way I see it is it’s a clear red card. There is no discussion. You cannot go like this into a challenge.”

West Ham v Liverpool ratings

A memorable win, David Moyes’ first in eight attempts against Klopp, saw West Ham leapfrog Liverpool into third place heading into the international break.

“I think we’re there on merit. You can see the quality and attitude of the players,” said Moyes.

“I want us to challenge the teams in the top four, whoever that may be. I’ve laid down that challenge to the players. Hopefully one of them could be us.

“Today was a challenge, Liverpool have been in such good form, but we’ve got some resilience, and counter-attacking and corner kicks are not a bad recipe.

“The biggest thing is this is a busy workload for any club. Look at the run of games we’ve got, while we are still growing the seeds of how we are going to become this better team.

“I want us to be competitive. I hope before now people were thinking West Ham’s a tough game. Today’s opposition have very little weaknesses. I want to give the players the credit they deserve.”