ReactionAlisson Becker on Arsenal draw, Konate display and season aims

Mohamed Salah’s superb strike ensured Jürgen Klopp’s side took a share of the spoils after Gabriel had headed the Gunners into an early lead in the Premier League clash at Anfield.

The result leaves the Reds, who had chances to win the game in the second half, second in the table heading into Christmas, a point behind Mikel Arteta’s men.

“We don’t take disappointment from today,” said Alisson, speaking to Liverpoolfc.com post-match. “We don’t take frustration because we played a really good game.

“We have to be honest, of course what we wanted was the three points, but as a team that is rebuilding, that is trying to be solid and find consistency, the performance we delivered today was amazing.

“We have to say as well, that the supporters today pushed us forward and they helped us in this performance. In this really intense period, we need that extra power and energy from so many games, one after the other. In 10 days we play three games, a lot, and we are doing the best of it.

“Today was a really good and strong performance against a strong side. We are not totally satisfied because it was only one point, but we take this point and take the performance as well.”

Having levelled the encounter courtesy of Salah before the break, Liverpool came close to winning it through Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold – who struck the crossbar – and substitute Harvey Elliott in the second half.

“I think the way the opponent played today, they showed they are a really mature team,” Alisson said. “We did that as well, defensive-wise our backline was amazing, the midfield as well, and the strikers helped.

“Our counter-press was amazing, I think the only thing we could have done differently was use the chances we had better, and hurt them when they made mistakes. We usually do that.

“But as I said before, we take this performance to make us stronger for the next games that we have, and we move forward.”

Amid the Reds’ defensive display, Ibrahima Konate delivered a commanding performance alongside captain Virgil van Dijk.

“I agree, it was one of the best [performances],” Alisson said. “Ibou, everybody knows how strong he is, and he is improving season after season.

“He’s still young, as he is a big and strong man I think nobody realises that, but he is still young and he is improving, being a more mature player alongside Virgil. They did an amazing game, but not only them. They did an amazing game because everybody helped them to do their job.

“But in the one-v-one situations against [Gabriel] Martinelli, against [Bukayo] Saka, against Gabriel Jesus, they are amazing strikers, and the way they defended was amazing.”

Liverpool are back in action on Boxing Day when they travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor, with Alisson stressing the need for focus and consistency if they are to remain in contention at the top of the Premier League.

“We want to be there at the top for the rest of the season, of course,” the Brazilian said. “We know that it’s early to talk about trophies at this moment. We will not get rhythm with these conversations, it is more for you [the media] and the supporters.

“We are really focused on doing our job, but we have to take these performances to create the mentality for a winning team.

“If you can perform as we did today against a side as strong as Arsenal, if we can replay that against the other teams, which is not easy, then we can achieve big things.

“We are on the way, but we stay with our two feet on the ground. This is a moment to be humble, to recognise that we can still improve, but it’s a moment to be confident about the quality that this team has and to build up the trust.”