Stoppage-Time Heartbreak: Liverpool lose on Matip's Own Goal to Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur's players celebrate following the own goal scored by Liverpool's German-born Cameroonian defender #32 Joel Matip during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 30, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Down to nine men and trying desperately to hold on for a point, Joel Matip scored an own goal in the final minute of stoppage time (90’ + 6) as Liverpool suffered heartbreak at the death in a 2-1 loss to Tottenham in London. Liverpool had to play the final 20 minutes of the match plus stoppage time after substitute Diogo Jota was booked twice in the second half and Curtis Jones received a straight red card in the first half.

First Half

Liverpool earned an early corner in the 4th minute, but Alexis Mac Allister’s shot was wide. The action continued to be end-to-end during the first 10 minutes. Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo had excellent chances to score in the 13th minute, but Tottenham goalie Vicario made a brilliant double save.

Curtis Jones earned a corner later in the half but it was cleared away. Jones was unlucky in the 24th minute as he was cautioned with a yellow card and after a VAR check, he was sent off with a red card. That call changed the dynamics of the match. Alisson was forced into a save at the half-hour mark.

Luis Diaz appeared to have scored a short-handed goal in the 34th minute, but it was chalked off due to offside. Tottenham got on the board just two minutes later when Son scored a tap-in thanks to an assist from Richarlison. Liverpool earned a freekick in first-half stoppage time. The ball found Gakpo in the box, He took a touch and a tuen and fired the ball in the back of the net for the equalizer. Liverpool nearly scored a gain on the last touch of the half, but Diaz’s shot went just wide after a nice pass from Mohamed Salah.

Second Half

James Maddison continued to be a Liverpool menace early in the second half to leave the game level. Tottenham kept the pressure on, but the backline performed admirably to keep the ball out of the back of the net Alisson made another strong save near the hour mark in the 58th minute and a potential Spurs goal was wiped out by the offsides the flag moments later.

Salah had a breakaway in the 64th minute, but it was snuffed out by a foul called on the Egyptian King. Substitute Diogo Jota picked up consecutive yellow cards within 90 seconds, the second coming in the 69th minute.

With Liverpool down to 9 men, they went into a more defensive posture for the final 20 minutes with a trio of centre backs,

Despite being down by two men, Dominik Szoboszlai forced a save in the 78th minute. Alisson made another big save in the 85th minute. More cards were issued to both clubs in the match’s final moments. Alisson received a yellow card for time wasting in stoppage time all leading up to Matip’s own goal in the final moments of stoppage time to send Liverpool to their first defeat of the season.

Streaks Snapped

This loss marks the first time Liverpool have lost in the last 86 days (19 matches) and the first time they have fallen to Tottenham since 2017. It is also the first time Liverpool have dropped points after falling behind all season as they had come back to earn wins on three previous occasions.

Cards Given Out Like Candy

Holloween is just over a month away, but referee Simon Hooper was already in a giving mood, giving out a total of 13 cards (8 for Liverpool, 5 for Tottenham) Jota’s cards were deserved but Jones’ straight red after a VAR check in the first half drew the ire of the American commentary team as they said it was a harsh booking. Liverpool have already had Mac Allister’s red card rescinded upon further review earlier this season. Maybe that will happen with Jones as well as contact appeared to be unavoidable.

No Rest For The Weary

After a tough loss, it is important, that Liverpool remain confident and that one loss does not become two or three like last season. The club has little time to lick their wounds as they return to Europa League play on October 5th vs Union SG.

LFC Globe Verdict

It’s hard to know how to feel after a game like this. On the one hand, you are mad that you did not come away with a point. On the other hand, you can’t help but be impressed with the grit and determination the club showed. Those are the kinds of qualities championship clubs have and that bodes well for the rest of the season.

Man Of The Match & What’s Next

Even with the loss, the defence and Alisson played admirably. With just 9 men they were mere seconds away from earning a point. They faced 24 shots and Alisson made 8 saves. No one can fault the effort.

What’s Next

Liverpool take to the pitch again on October 5th for their second group game in Europa League play, this time against Union SG. Kickoff is set for 20:00 BST.