3 hours ago
4
Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal has opened up on what he told Hannibal Mejbri following his handball against Liverpool, which ultimately handed the Reds victory.
Arne Slot’s side looked to be on their way to dropping their first points of the season at Turf Moor, despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men, with Liverpool struggling to find any way through a resolute Burnley rearguard.
Deep into stoppage time though, Hannibal handled Jeremie Frimpong’s cross, giving Mohamed Salah the chance to win all three points for the Reds - an opportunity the Egyptian did not squander in front of the traveling Liverpool supporters.
The victory maintains the defending champion’s perfect start to the campaign, having once again found a dramatic late winner - helped of course by a moment of madness Hannibal.
The midfielder received little sympathy from Jamie Carragher after Frimpong’s cross caught his outstretched arm, with referee Michael Oliver showing no hesitation in awarding Liverpool its penalty.
Hannibal looked distraught as he made his way off the pitch at full-time, with Ekdal and his teammates left to reflect after missing out on a point.
"Of course it's a mistake and he knows it,” Ekdal told Sky Sports. “We told him [Hannibal Mejbri] afterwards that it happens. It's very unfortunate.
"We did such a good game, keeping it tight and hoping to see the game through then this moment comes. Of course it's going to happen. It's so typical and not a nice moment.
"It's one mistake in the end. Last week it cost us and it's very unfortunate. We are doing a good game, following our game plan and we are a few seconds from one point. It just feels typical to concede those types of goal.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"We followed our game plan so well it became hard for them. We knew how to play and everyone was sticking to it. I think we have to be happy with the performance. Both last week and this week we are so close to getting a point."
Having returned to the top of the table following Arsenal’s win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Liverpool now turns its attention to the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid visit Anfield on Wednesday - with Alexander Isak set to make his debut in that game after being left out of the squad at Burnley - before the first Merseyside derby of the season sees the Reds hosting Everton on Saturday.
English (US) ·