Jurgen Klopp was forced to take out Trent Alexander-Arnold in eleventh hour

Alexander-Arnold started Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on the bench and Klopp has revealed the defender was in line to feature from the off before a late call

Jurgen Klopp was forced to take out Trent Alexander-Arnold at the eleventh hour ahead of Liverpool ‘s victory of Crystal Palace.

The Reds ran out 3-0 winners in the Premier League clash as Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita – who netted a late stunner – got on the scoresheet.

It sent Klopp’s side top of the division for at least Saturday evening, taking 13 points from their opening five games.

James Milner was picked at right-back in place of Alexander-Arnold as Klopp made a last-minute alteration before the Reds made the short journey from their city-centre hotel to Anfield.

The 22-year-old, who helped Liverpool to a win in the Champions League on Wednesday, told staff that he “didn’t feel right after breakfast,” according to his manager.

Despite Milner’s age of 34, he shone and Klopp was delighted with the utility man’s display.

“This Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday rhythm is just the most tricky one in the Premier League and so that we came through that now in the moment is very important,” he explained.

“With all the changes we had to make and one we didn’t want to make but that worked out really well with Millie on right-back.

“So, it was not brilliant, but really good and I liked that.”

Klopp also acknowledged how difficult of a contest the match was, with Patrick Vieira’s men keeping the game goalless until the 43rd minute.

“It is one of the most hard-fought 3-0s ever,” he told BBC Sport .

“We had to give everything. Hard but fair challenges. Physicality was immense and we had to be ready. The chips in behind our full-back gave us trouble. The longer it went they used that more and more. We had to run.

“Wednesday/Saturday rhythm is really hard,” Klopp explained. “We scored wonderful goals and used our set-pieces. It is massive in games like this. These are the games you have to win, when you are not brilliant.

“We weren’t flying today. We had to grind out a proper performance. I liked it. When you look back you have these games when it was really fun.

He added: “And some was it was important. This is one of those important games.”

Another surprise face in the back line was Ibrahima Konate, who made his debut for the Reds, impressing Klopp.

“There’s a lot more to come from Konate,” Klopp stated. “He’s young and he will adapt to the league of course. He’s in a really good way and I am really happy with the process.”

Sadio Mane also became the first player in Premier League history to score in nine successive matches against one team, beating Robin van Persie’s run of eight against Stoke City.

His goal was also his 100th for the club and Klopp noted: “People forget about these 100 goals that he worked incredibly hard, pressed high, created goals, set up chances, so 100 goals but there’s so many other numbers that are important.

“A massive achievement in the glorious history of this club,” he added.