Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp says he almost cried when Mohamed Salah let Roberto Firmino take the second penalty to complete his hat-trick in the 5-1 league triumph against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Reds put on a splendid show as they came from behind and closed 2018 in style. Firmino scored two quick goals in a space of 90 seconds to cancel out the Gunners’ early lead which had been secured by Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Sadio Mane scored the third goal while Salah converted a penalty to make it 4-1 before the break.

But it was the fifth goal which made Klopp emotional after Liverpool got another penalty in the second half and Salah allowed Firmino to take it. The Brazilian converted the kick to complete his first Premier League hat-trick.

In a post match interview with BBC Sport, Klopp said: “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!”

The gaffer also lauded Liverpool’s comeback, describing it as world-class.

“The response [to going behind] was world-class. We stayed calm and really forced the mistakes,” he added.

Up next for the Reds in the Premier League is a trip to defending champions Manchester City on January 3.