In a thrilling and contentious English Premier League clash, Tottenham Hotspur secured victory over a nine-man Liverpool side, thanks to Joel Matip’s own goal deep into stoppage time.
The Reds found themselves in a tough spot with two highly debated red cards. Curtis Jones was the first to see red, sent off after just 26 minutes for a challenge on Yves Bissouma, following a VAR review.
Shortly before halftime, substitute Diogo Jota joined him in the dressing room after receiving two quick bookings.
Amidst a game filled with controversy, Liverpool had what seemed to be a legitimate opening goal by Luis Diaz disallowed due to a questionable VAR decision.
The officials ruled Diaz offside without displaying the customary offside line graphics. The PGMOL later acknowledged a “significant human error” and deemed the decision to disallow Diaz’s goal as a “clear and obvious factual error”.
They expressed that VAR should have intervened but failed to do so, promising a “full review” to understand the lapse.
Captain Son Heung-min then put Spurs ahead with a well-taken goal, receiving a pass from Richarlison after an impressive move orchestrated by summer signing James Maddison.
However, Liverpool managed to level the score just before halftime, as Cody Gakpo netted the equalizer with a smart turn and finish from Virgil van Dijk’s header down.
Unfortunately, van Dijk sustained an injury during the act and didn’t return for the second half.
In the second half, Spurs had the better of the chances, with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson making outstanding saves to keep his team in the game, denying Maddison and Son on multiple occasions.
It appeared that Liverpool’s resolute defense would secure them a hard-fought draw, but the dramatic climax was yet to unfold.
In the dying moments of the match, as Spurs launched a final attack, Joel Matip inadvertently directed Pedro Porro’s cross into his own net, leaving Alisson helpless.
This dramatic turn of events sparked jubilation and relief among the home supporters, handing Liverpool their first defeat of the season and preserving manager Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten Premier League record.