Liverpool manager: Why Roberto Firmino’s Arsenal heroics didn’t surprise me

Jurgen Klopp says he wasn’t surprised by Roberto Firmino’s outstanding performance in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.

The Brazil international broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a clinical finish after Emre Can’s initial shot was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech.

He made perfect goals – the first was really good, the second spectacular

Jurgen Klopp

Firmino restored Liverpool’s lead in the 19th minute after Aaron Ramsey’s equaliser thanks to a brilliant long-range effort from outside Cech’s penalty area.

The £29m summer signing could have completed a first-half hat-trick but the Brazil international was denied by the woodwork after leaving Cech stranded.

Speaking at his post-match media conference at Anfield following the six-goal thriller, Klopp heaped praise on the South American playmaker following his mesmerising performance.

“I could talk about this for half an hour, but to be honest I think it should be normal because I know how good he is. If you are good, you have to show it and tonight he did,” Klopp said.

“It was very important for us because for 95 minutes, he was always thinking about playing in different positions and in all of them was really good.

“He made perfect goals – the first was really good, the second spectacular, brilliant… whatever you want to say! It was a really good game, but he wasn’t the only one.”

Firmino moved to Liverpool in a £29m deal from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in the summer transfer window.

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The Brazilian playmaker has scored three goals and has made three assists in 18 Premier League games so far this season.