In a recent interview, Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo shared his thoughts on the controversial match against Tottenham Hotspur, where Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League.
Speaking about the match, Endo emphasized that Liverpool faced a series of “difficult decisions” during the game. The encounter, which marked Liverpool’s first defeat of the 2023/24 season, was packed with contentious moments and high drama.
Wataru Endo during Liverpool’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur
The match concluded with a dramatic late own goal by Joel Matip, securing a 2-1 victory for Tottenham Hotspur. Son Heung-min and Cody Gakpo had earlier scored for their respective teams in the first half.
The controversy began when Curtis Jones was shown a red card during the first 45 minutes following a VAR review for a tackle on Yves Bissouma. The situation escalated when Diogo Jota was also sent off with more than 20 minutes left to play after receiving two quick yellow cards.
One of the most significant controversies of the match revolved around the disallowed goal of Luis Diaz. The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) admitted later that the VAR incorrectly believed that the on-field decision had been to award the goal. Despite clear evidence that Diaz was onside, VAR official Darren England mistakenly communicated “check complete,” leading to the goal being ruled out.
In his post-match comments to Liverpoolfc.com, Wataru Endo described the game as exceptionally challenging, especially when playing with only nine players. He expressed his disappointment at not securing at least one point but commended the team’s fighting spirit and resilience.
Endo emphasized Liverpool’s commitment to learning from this result and maintaining their unwavering determination to win games. He highlighted the team’s ability to face adversity head-on and continue striving for success.
Wataru Endo also took a moment to applaud Joel Matip’s outstanding performance during the match, conveying his pride in Matip’s contributions and the collective effort of his teammates.
