Maurizio Sarri thinks the timing of Liverpool’s second goal was “unlucky” for Chelsea as they lost 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
The Blues still occupy fourth spot in the Premier League but Manchester United in fifth have one game in hand on them, while sixth-placed Arsenal have two.
Sadio Mane’s header from a Jordan Henderson cross was followed moments later by a world-class strike from Mohamed Salah, his 22nd of the season, as he cut in from the right to unleash a left-footed shot into the top corner.
And Sarri was pleased with how his team played despite not getting anything out of the clash with the title challengers.
“We were a little bit unlucky for the second goal, for the timing,” said Sarri, who was genuine in his congratulations for Salah after bumping into him after the game.
“The second goal of Mo was wonderful and then we were a little bit unlucky because in three minutes we had three goal opportunities, two with Hazard and one with Higuain and we hit the post for the 35th time in our season.
“But I am really happy with the performance because we stayed in the match very well. Two or three months ago we would not have done.”