Jurgen Klopp saw his Liverpool stars climb back on top of the Premier League – then welcomed the chance to keep playing during the impending Lockdown.
The Kop boss was jubilant after £41million substitute Diogo Jota fired home a late winner against plucky West Ham minutes after VAR and referee Kevin Friend had ruled out another goal by the former Wolves star.
Victory took Liverpool back to the top of the table, leap-frogging Everton, but Klopp was just as delighted that football will continue when the country shuts down for a second time this week.
“In lockdown it's important people are allowed to do things they like to do and football, is one of those things," he said.
“It proves we can keep the bubbles we are in kind of safe. Everyone has had cases like we have but we were able to isolate them so they didn't spread.
“Those didn't happen in the training ground they happened when players were travelling for internationals and in normal life. We have proved we can do it.
“The world is in a difficult place and we are happy to be allowed to play football.”
Did Liverpool deserve to beat West Ham? Have your say here.
Klopp was delighted his stars found a way to come back and win after Pablo Fornals gave West Ham an early lead.
“We have to try everything to win football games. It's not about shining, or flying, or whatever, it's about hard work," Klopp said.
“That was absolutely necessary against West Ham.”
Klopp saluted centre back Nathanial Phillips who made his Liverpool debut with an assured display which earned him a hug from the German.
Klopp added: "He's a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything. He's not easy on the eye, he's not Messi but who cares? In the air, he's a monster! He was incredible.”
Hammers boss David Moyes was angry at the penalty, won and converted by Mo Salah, which brought Liverpool level.
“I don't think it was a penalty he (Salah) threw himself to the ground," said the Irons boss. "We are very disappointed we didn't get anything from the game.”
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