‘Very good game’: Steve McManaman hails Liverpool defender after controversial Spurs defeat

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Steve McManaman has defended Joel Matip after his own goal during Liverpool’s controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. 

The former Liverpool player acknowledged that the 32-year-old was at fault for the own goal he conceded in stoppage time and how ‘mental fatigue’ or ’tiredness’ might have played a part.

But McManaman was adamant that Joel Matip had a ‘very good game’, and just like Jurgen Klopp’s side, they will ‘bounce back’ from that gut-wrenching loss, as he told Premier League Productions (30/09/23 at 7:50 pm).

Even though the Reds were down to ten men for large parts of the game, and then nine, they more than deserved something from the match.

That Luis Diaz ‘offside’ goal is hitting the headlines, and will continue to do so, but it could even be argued that, if his goal stood, then Liverpool might have walked away with all three points.

Either way, it was a game that many associated with the club will want to get out of their system, as soon as possible.

Heartbreak for Matip

“Yes, you do (feel for Joel Matip),” said McManaman. “But it’s a mistake. Whether it’s fatigue or mental tiredness. Or (lack of) concentration. 

“He just takes his eye off the ball. It’s a simple enough pass. He hits it with his left foot, the right foot to clear. But it bounces there. It doesn’t bounce right in front of him, so he should just keep it concentrated and clear that.

“But in the 96th minute. The defenders have worked as hard as they have ever worked for a Liverpool game under the cosh for that long. It’s one of those things. 

“I don’t think you could necessarily go overboard on it. I think you see the game as a whole and some of the circumstances that have happened in the game – Liverpool will bounce back. No problem. Joel Matip had a very good game and he will bounce back.”

Liverpool showing signs of their old self

That was Liverpool’s first defeat of the new Premier League season, and given how the game at Spurs unfolded, it wasn’t deserved. 

But Klopp and his players have no time to dwell because they are back in the Europa League on Thursday, before taking on Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

If Liverpool continues to show this ruthless and aggressive nature to their game, then there is no doubt that the points will mount up and they will challenge for the Premier League title.