Andy Robertson offered a blunt home truth on why a "better" Liverpool were able to beat Arsenal 2-0 and cut Manchester City 's lead at the top of the Premier League table to just one point.
The Reds left-backed provided the assist for Roberto Firmino 's clincher after Diogo Jota had given Liverpool the lead in the 54th minute in a game of two halves. Arsenal had the better first 45 but Mikel Arteta 's men were unable to make their pressure count, as Jurgen Klopp and co stayed patient to pull off a priceless win.
Asked what changed at half-time, Robertson told Sky Sports: "I think we just played a bit better, to be honest. We started the game really well and had a few chances but then they had the better of the first half. They were keeping possession better, winning second balls a wee bit better than us but we knew we were in at half-time at 0-0.
"We knew we could play better and could find the half-spaces a bit better. It worked. We were a lot more dominant in the second half and was more clinical. [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Bukayo] Saka are really hard work. I think Trent Alexander-Arnold was outstanding. It was a really tough game. It was great to have a clean sheet and I'm really happy for Bobby [Firmino] getting his goal."
The Reds are now level on games played with City, who will host Liverpool in a potential title-decider in Manchester next month, and Robertson is happy to have parity with Pep Guardiola's side in that respect. "I don't like games in hand much, I would rather points. I would still rather be in their position," the Scotland captain noted.
"They are a point ahead. They are a fantastic team, one of the best in the world. Then it's a sprint to the finish line. We're in the race so we need to focus on what we're doing. We still have to go to their place. We have another huge game on Sunday - a chance to get to Wembley. But if we keep winning games we'll be there or thereabouts at the moment."
Manager Klopp, meanwhile, gave his take on the title race by telling BBC Match of the Day: "I'm very excited about and the team and the situation we are in but that does not change everything. We just need to keep going. I saw a hard-working team in the first half and in the second half we enjoyed it more and that was when we really stepped up. We really want to enjoy the situation we are in by winning football matches. It's tough. We keep the right mindset for it."
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The Reds boss added: "Indeed, it is [big three points]. Coming here and winning against Arsenal is already but winning the game like it was - more special. We started really well then it became an open game. Both teams were patient and our possession was not as good. We had too many on the wrong side of the ball. We need to find moments to pass the ball through.
"They had spells as well and we had to work hard. We wanted to improve in the second half. We defended higher in the second half and was much more front-footed. In that moment the whole game changed really. Really happy for [Firmino]. Unfortunately he got a yellow card for celebrating and there were so many tackles that I was like 'omg' and it was a bit nervy! But I understand why he did it.
"Mo Salah said he was fine but you still need to try him in training and we had a full session with the other boys so we stuck to that. It was clear he would come on. He was very lively and kept Kieran Tierney quiet. That helped Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was exceptional. Gabriel Martinelli, you need two at least. Sensational game for Andy Robertson too."
