The Brazil international scored from the penalty spot to complete his treble as Liverpool thrashed Arsenal at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp admitted he "almost cried" when Mohamed Salah let Roberto Firmino take Liverpool's second penalty to complete his hat-trick in Saturday's 5-1 demolition of Arsenal.
Arsenal were well and truly outclassed at Anfield despite taking an early lead through Ainsley Maitland-Niles, as the Reds moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Firmino hit back with two quickfire goals, before Sadio Mane and Salah – from the penalty spot – had Liverpool 4-1 by half-time.
The Reds were given another penalty in the second half when Sead Kolasinac appeared to nudge Dejan Lovren to the ground, but Salah allowed Firmino to take it and he duly completed his first Premier League treble.
And Klopp singled that moment out at full-time, telling BBC Sport : "We knew in the second half that the game wasn't finished, so we wanted to control it.
"Mo Salah gave the penalty to Bobby [Firmino] and I almost cried because we all know how much Mo wants to score goals. It was really nice.
"Christmas is over but not between the boys!"
Klopp was also keen to laud Liverpool's response to initially falling behind, as they bounced back emphatically and swiftly.
"The response [to going behind] was world class," Klopp said. "We stayed calm and really forced the mistakes.
"Firmino's second when Sadio [Mane] won the ball - wow. It was perfect defending."
Up next for Liverpool in the Premier League is a trip to defending champions Manchester City on January 3.
Liverpool know that they will kick-off at the Etihad Stadium at least seven points ahead of Pep Guardiola's side, and if they can avoid defeat they will be in pole positon to claim the title for the first time since 1990.
hidlmnp
240
klopp is obviously happy to see something he worked on for 3 years now finally happening. The team spirit he created is the reason behind this LFC team doing so well.
notcmrtyz
167
Mohammed salah is not just a good player but also a kind and loving person as well he is selfless and he should keep it up... the pass to Mane even explains all....
Christopher_Robin
138
He is a humble man of surprises. I respect and honor him for what he did. Instead of imincreasing his tally of goals he instead gave it up for a team mate looking for a hatrick. It made me cry too klopp. #YNWA
TinoConstantine
125
I remember this same momentum Liverpool had in 2013 with Suarez upfront ,it was at the end of the two deciding games that they screw up everything,And that is hard forget ,no matter how exciting they now,I don't see any difference.
whykallar
107
Salah show love and loyalty to Firmino..
SINGAM23
96
Jurgen Klopp:- CAPTION THIS... "Christmas is over but not between the boys !"
ciccdil
65
yup Salah give up his chance to increase his goal tally further to help firmino to get his hat-trick....everyone may say he is so humble and caring...yup I also feel same about him , but he didn't give up his first chance to get on to scoresheet.(what if they won't get second penalty....Salah already ruined the first shot of firmino too...) I'm saying that Salah is not so great like you guys says...he is a good lad ,I agree... but those who give up his chances without thinking about themselves are great. And that greatness did deserve to him unless he give up his first first penalty to firmino.(not have any intention to make Salah a bad person...and I like him as I like cr7 , Messi. etc. I'm just saying what I feel about , that's all.
kaeikm
64
the team's spirit is now high more than ever. LFC of now is unlike the LFC that dash out the trophy of the previous seasons. we now have one of the dangerous and threatening attack, strong defence, powerful midfield and experienced goalkeeper. YNWA!!!! let's go for the celebration of victory by God's grace
Ahmedino11
57
The game was such a wonderful game to watch Salah's assist to Mane shows that he is not selfish for goals even the penalty he gave to Firmino I was also shocked to see that he gave away his opportunity of being top scorer in the league to his teammate to complete a wonderful hat-rik against Arsenal. That's a heart of a true football player . We shouldn't fight each other in this game we should rather bring each other together and he has proven he plays for the team not for himself. Liverpools performance was a really great performance and I hope we do the same against Man City good luck boys #YNWA💯💯
GBN
56
yup , Salah give up his chance to get to top of the goal scorer list and let firmino to achieve his hattrick . Yes he is good player... but not so great as all of you praising him. He take his first chance to get on score sheet and he also threw out the firmino's first chance to get on scoresheet. (what if they didn't get a second penalty). So those who giving chances without thinking themselves deserve all these praises... yes Salah is good lad with good heart @least he give the second penalty while some doesn't give it at all. (I'm not pointing out the negatives nor making Salah a bad player) I like him as I like Messi, Ronaldo...etc. I'm just saying what I feel ..that's all.
Willygeez
18
Penaldo will never sacrifice his inheritance to anyone... Like the way salah gave that penalty to bobby..
sorry mate i don't know which penaldo you're talking about but the one i know once gave benzema to take a penalty to up his confidence
ruaadlmoru
10
Penaldo will never sacrifice his inheritance to anyone... Like the way salah gave that penalty to bobby..
don't just talk, be realistic CR7 gave a penalty to benzema even though he was on a hat trick