Klopp has new Liverpool edge as Tottenham keep Premier League title race open

Liverpool have weathered the African Cup of Nations storm and City faltering breeds huge confidence, and now the Reds are only six points behind Manchester City

Liverpool are right back in the Premier League title race after Tottenham stunned Manchester City at the Etihad. Harry Kane, the striker City desperately tried to sign in the summer, scored a dramatic left winner to leave Pep Gurdiola’s men crestfallen and the title race wide open.

The Reds had earlier done their job with a gutsy 3-1 comeback victory against relegation battlers Norwich at Anfield.

Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and new signing Luis Diaz netted after the break following Milot Rashica’s shock opener.

Salah’s strike brought up a remarkable 150 goals in all competitions for the Reds, but it is the strength in depth alongside the Egyptian that could now push City all the way in the title race.

Liverpool ’s title race was over before it started last season due to key injuries but boss Jurgen Klopp now has enviable depth in his squad to rely upon.

Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino have picked up injuries, but Colombian Diaz has already hit the ground running.

Salah and Mane are no longer Klopp’s only source of goals, and the Reds secured victory without their first choice full-backs in Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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Liverpool have weathered the African Cup of Nations storm and City faltering breeds huge confidence.

The Reds are now only six points behind Pep Guardiola’s side with a game in hand and still have to take on the Sky Blues again. They are within touching distance.

Klop was delighted with Diaz’s impact after scoring his first goal in front of the Anfield faithful.

“The first half was not easy for an offensive players as we played a new set-up,” Klopp said.

“Then you have to work through this period. That’s what he did.

“You could see, for everybody the first goal is an incredibly important goal. In the second half he was 100% in the game for counter-pressing moments, really good stuff with the ball and an outstanding goal, so I’m really happy for him.”

“We played really good football and scored wonderful goals,” the German boss added.

“The coaching team, we changed the system as well, go for 4-4-2 and that is necessary in a moment like this that you throw all the knowledge you have together – it gave them a proper challenge to deal with because all of a sudden we were a threat in all moments.

“Thiago with his passing, really fresh, really relaxed, full of confidence, that helped as well. He is a good player, we just have to make sure we can keep him fit.

“Diogo (Jota) was not available and we don’t know how long it will take. Bobby Firmino has a muscle problem and is out for a while, so we have to keep the boys fit and create a spirit like the boys did today in the game.”

Now, Klopp has faith in a strong squad that can deal with such problems. The title race is well and truly on.