Jurgen Klopp made a beeline for one Liverpool player in particular at full-time against West Ham

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Yesterday’s 1-0 win by Liverpool over West Ham had an air of significance about it, with the Reds having to produce a more battling display to see off the Hammers.

A clean-sheet is always welcome. Of course, on another day the Hammers take some of their chances and we are talking about a completely different story. But Liverpool hung in there, and these sorts of result are normally what represent title-winning teams.

There were a few Liverpool players who were more responsible than others for the win. Defensively, the likes of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold were good again, while Naby Keita produced a vital tackle on Michail Antonio to prevent an almost certain goal.

However, for Klopp himself, he seemed to want to be quick to ensure it was Scottish full-back Robertson who got the big thank you treatment. After the full-time whistle, Klopp was seen marching towards Robertson before embracing the Scot in one of his now trademark bear hugs. A clear sign, if any, that Klopp felt Robertson had played a big role.

Robertson, like Trent on the other side, has become integral for this Liverpool team. And while he wasn’t his creative best yesterday, defensively, he was on hand to keep the Hammers at bay.

TBR’s View: Not Vintage From Robertson Or Liverpool But Enough

We are so used to seeing full-backs get forward these days that we often forget that their main job is to defend.

And against West Ham, that’s what Robertson had to do. He had to dig in, make blocks, and work in tandem with the rest of the back four throughout. He did it well and Keita’s tackle on Antonio was as much in part to Robertson steaming back to put the striker off.

Klopp, then, was right to be delighted with the former Hull City man.