Klopp: why Firmino was fuming after West Ham triumph

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Jurgen Klopp has urged fans not to overlook Roberto Firmino’s role in Saturday’s 4-1 win over West Ham.

The Brazilian was a vital influence at the centre of Liverpool’s front three, spearheading an emphatic counterattacking display alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Despite the result, it seems Firmino was somewhat harsh on himself after being substituted in the second half.

“I really like to talk about these two players (Salah and Mane), but please do not forget about Roberto Firmino on a day like today,” Klopp told the Liverpool Echo.

“I know he didn’t score – he was really angry about that actually when I took him off.”

“I said: ‘What a performance!’ He said: ‘I didn’t score though!’

“It’s very important to have these players. You can have the best match play in the world, but if the players are not good enough for it. Players decide the games, especially the good ones.”

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Firmino proved pivotal in immediately calming nerves after West Ham pulled one back in the second half as he produced a sublime turn and driving run before feeding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored Liverpool’s third.

The No.9 had a great chance of his own to get on the score-sheet but dragged his shot wide having done superbly to knock the ball beyond his marker.

His subsequent reaction was one of a frustrated man, but also a man hungry to make a difference.

After a difficult few weeks, he is finally looking close to rediscovering his top form.

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