Wataru Endo felt Liverpool needed to be more ruthless in front of goal during 2-2 draw away to Manchester United but Japan midfielder insists dressing room remains positive about Premier League title chances

Wataru Endo rued Liverpool’s wastefulness in front of goal at Manchester United yesterday but is calling on his team-mates to remain positive after failing to retake top spot in the Premier League.

A win for Jurgen Klopp’s side at Old Trafford would have seen them move above Arsenal, who had won away to Brighton on Saturday evening.

But Liverpool wasted a glut of chances as they drew 2-2 with United, while posting an xG of 3.59.

Liverpool’s Wataru Endo says the team remains upbeat around their title chances. (Image: PA)

And Endo said: “We’re disappointed about the result because we had a lot of chances in the first half. I think we could have scored more and we could play better. We’re disappointed about the result.

“We knew that we needed to start strong from the beginning of the game – I think we did from the beginning. We had a lot of chances, so if we score a few [more] goals in the first half, I think the result would be different. But it’s happened, so we need to stay positive and keep going.”

The Japanese midfielder’s reflections echoed that of Klopp, who said his players should have scored more against a United side that failed to register a single attempt in a one-sided opening period..

But Klopp still insisted that because of the weight of the United rivalry, it should still be considered a point gained as they pursue a second Premier League title in his final season in charge.

“We should have won the game – that’s clear,” Klopp said. “We caused a few problems for ourselves. We controlled the game, scored first and should’ve had other goals. They had no shots in the first half.

“But we made a mistake and they used that immediately – it was well executed from Bruno. Then the stadium is coming and they score another screamer. A wonderful goal. But we found a way back in the game. We had big chances before they scored and after they scored. It’s a point at Manchester United.

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Premier League title race
1. Arsenal – P31, 71pts (GD +51)
2. Liverpool – P31, 71pts (GD +42)
3. Man City – P31, 70pts (GD +40)

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures

Aston Villa [H] – Sunday 14 April (4:30pm)
Wolves [A] – Saturday 20 April (7:30pm)
Chelsea [H] – Tuesday 23 April (8pm)
Tottenham [A] – Sunday 28 April (2pm)
Bournemouth [H] – Saturday 4 May (12:30pm)
Manchester United [A] – Saturday 11 May (TBC)
Everton [H] – Sunday 19 May (4pm)

Manchester City’s remaining fixtures

Luton [H] – Saturday 13 April (3pm)
Brighton [A] – Thursday 25 April (8pm)
Nottingham Forest [A] – Sunday 28 April (4:30pm)
Wolves [H] – Saturday 4 May (5:30pm)
Fulham [A] – Saturday 11 May (TBC)
West Ham [H] – Sunday 19 May (4pm)

Liverpool’s remaining fixtures

Crystal Palace [H] – Sunday 14 April (2pm)
Fulham [A] – Sunday 21 April (4:30pm)
Everton [A] – Wednesday 24 April (8pm)
West Ham [A] – Saturday 27 April (12:30pm)
Tottenham [H] – Sunday 5 May (4:30pm)
Aston Villa [A] – Saturday 11 May (TBC)
Wolves [H] – Sunday 19 May (4pm)

“I know how people will see it – two points lost but we have a point more than we had before the game in an away game at Manchester United. These games are more special for us than other teams. They put an extra shift in.”

“We were in a bit of a rush – I’d have loved us to take an extra touch. You always have to take different things from the game. I know the outside world will get nervous but we have to be calm – it’s going to be full of life, excitement and desire. The goals we have scored have got us where we are. We need to build on that. We’re deal with that in the right way.