Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has accused Southampton of helping out Arsenal in their quest to attain a top-four finish to the Premier League season.
Arsene Wenger’s side had gone winless in their previous away outings against the Saints, but they managed to break this record in midweek as they attained three points via a 2-0 victory at St.Mary’s.
The victory sees the Gunners move within three points of fourth-placed Manchester City, but it is Liverpool, who face the utmost pressure with an away game at West Ham United over the weekend.
The Reds are currently just four points ahead of the north London club after having played a game more, and a draw or defeat against the Hammers could see them lose grasp on the Champions League places.
In his pre-match press conference, Klopp was particularly critical of the Saints’ style of play, who used different approaches for the games against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Saints boss Claude Puel had utilised a defensive mentality to earn a hard-fought nil-nil draw at Anfield last weekend whilst he shifted to a more open game on Wednesday night which resulted in a 2-0 defeat to the Gunners.
“In our last game against Southampton we had 70% possession,” Klopp was quoted as saying on Metro.
“Southampton played very, very defensive orientated against us.
“I saw their game on Wednesday (against Arsenal) and it was a very open game.
“I’m not sure why they did this favour to Arsenal but it was a completely different game.”
The Gunners have made it a habit of creeping into the top-four during the dying stages of the campaign, but they may have to contend with Europa League football, should both Liverpool and Manchester City maintain a 100 percent record in their final games of the season.
