'We didn't realise' - Alexis Mac Allister makes Arsenal admission and names 'amazing' Liverpool youngster
Alexis Mac Allister believes Liverpool have shown how they can cope with their growing absentee list - and pinpointed the mentality that helped them secure a memorable FA Cup triumph.
The Reds secured a first win in the competition at the Gunners in almost 60 years when a late Jakub Kiwior own goal and Luis Diaz's injury-time strike earned a 2-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.
It was their first game without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo, who are at international tournaments with their respective countries, with the ill Virgil van Dijk having joined Dominik Szoboszlai, Kostas Tsimikas, Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip and Stefan Bajcetic on the sidelines.
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And Mac Allister, making his first start in more than a month after being absent with a knee problem, had particular praise for Academy graduates Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley and Bobby Clark, the latter two who were introduced as substitutes for the last quarter to help seal the triumph.
"We know how important they are for us, Virgil, Endo and Mo, but we always say that the other players have to step up and do their job," he said. "(Jarell) Quansah had an amazing game so it’s something we have to keep proving every single game because we are definitely going to miss them.
"I'm very happy for the young players as well who came into the game at a tough moment. I’m really happy for them because they deserved it."
Arsenal had dominated the first half before a tactical switch from Klopp at half-time turned the game in the favour of the visitors.
"Maybe in the first half
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