Jurgen Klopp blames Liverpool stars' errors as quest for record haul is destroyed by Arsenal

'Twice there was a massive lack of concentration. Those two moments killed the game for us'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp urges his team on. Reuters

Sadio Mane scores Liverpool's goal. PA

Liverpool's Sadio Mane (L) celebrates with his teammate Andrew Robertson (R) after scoring the opening goal. EPA

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette scores the equaliser. EPA

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette (L) celebrates with his teammates after levelling the scores. EPA

Arsenal's Reiss Nelson scores their second goal. EPA

Arsenal players celebrate after Reiss Nelson (3rd L) scored their second goal. AFP

Arsenal's Emiliano Martinez celebrates with Granit Xhaka and Alexandre Lacazette after the match. Reuters

Liverpool's coach Jurgen Klopp and Arsenal's Mikel Arteta at the end of the game. EPA

Mikel Arteta speaks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. PA

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta watches on the sidelines. Reuters

Jurgen Klopp blamed Liverpool's lack of concentration as the champions' hopes of reaching a record-breaking Premier League points tally ended with a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.

Sadio Mane fired the Reds ahead at the Emirates Stadium, but uncharacteristic mistakes from Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson led to goals for Alexandre Lacazette and Reiss Nelson.

The defeat means Liverpool can only get to a maximum 99 points for the season and have failed in their quest to beat Manchester City's record tally of 100.

"Twice there was a massive lack of concentration," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"We took a break after 1-0. After being brilliant, it was really good, but those two moments killed the game for us," he said.

"We chased the game and Arsenal had no more chances and we did a lot of things well but you can't win games when you concede chances like that. We have to learn from it, 100 per cent.

"We've had sloppy moments before and not been punished for it but this is good because we have to learn from it. But credit to Arsenal for being there and using it. That's why we lost."

Van Dijk agreed with his manager and said the goals Liverpool conceded "were a present".

"Until the first goal it was totally us and we were dominant. But if you give goals like that away, including myself, you get what you deserve.

"Goals like that shouldn't happen and it happened twice tonight. Until I make the mistake, we did nothing wrong. I take the blame for it, of course, I take it as a man and we move on.

"We wanted to win the game and we can't blame it on the fact that we are already champions. We will try to win the last two games and then get a well-deserved break. We have had a fantastic season."

On receiving the Premier League trophy next week, the Dutchman said: "It will be a dream come true. Being champions is a dream come true already."

Mikel Arteta is confident he is making progress at Arsenal as they head to Wembley on Saturday for the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

"In terms of energy and happiness before a semi-final, it was the best medicine," he said.

"We had a bit of luck but the belief was good. Before, going behind, I think we could have gone down but we reacted.

"You only need to look at the difference between the two teams, the gap is enormous. But the energy, commitment and fight between the two teams is equal - and the rest will come. It will take time but we can create something."

Asked whether he will get the finances to build a title challenge at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta said: "I don't know. It is a big concern because you just have to see how they build the squads.

"It is not magic, you need to improve with quality players in the squad. You need a bigger squad to compete in this competition and that is going to be the challenge."