Jurgen Klopp’s reaction to Salah’s penalty shows Liverpool off

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s reaction to Mohamed Salah’s missed penalty in Sunday’s Premier League game against Arsenal at Anfield has been described as “bizarre” and a reflection of Liverpool’s current season.

Klopp turned his back to the pitch as Salah took the penalty kick and celebrated, mistaking the cheers of Arsenal fans for those of Liverpool supporters. The miss was Salah’s second penalty miss in two consecutive games, having also missed a spot-kick against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The game had started badly for Liverpool, with Gabriel Martinelli putting Arsenal ahead in the first minutes of the game, before Gabriel Jesus doubled their lead with a well-timed header. Liverpool struggled in the first half but pulled one back just before half-time through Salah. Roberto Firmino then scored a late equalizer to salvage a point for the Reds.

The tension and emotions were already high at Anfield after a tetchy opening 45 minutes, which ended with the linesman appearing to elbow Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson in the face. Klopp, as usual, was wrapped up in it all and couldn’t bring himself to watch Salah’s penalty.

When he turned around to celebrate, Klopp mistook the cheers of Arsenal fans for those of Liverpool supporters and was left looking confused when he realized that his side were still trailing 2-1.

The result leaves Liverpool in a precarious position, currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table with 52 points, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand. Liverpool will need to significantly improve their form if they are to secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League next season.