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Tottenham managed to recover from a late Mo Salah goal to clinch a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season but they had no such luck on this occasion after the Egyptian’s header inadvertently found its way into the net via a combination of Hugo Lloris and Toby Alderweireld.
It was a gut-wrenching result for the visitors to accept and a priceless and potentially title-deciding one for the jubilant hosts.
In the aftermath of proceedings, there were plenty of intriguing reactions to dissect from both players and managers.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a handful of some of the most thought-provoking and pertinent quotes from the weekend.
Moussa Sissoko
Moussa Sissoko was at the core of Tottenham’s attacking endeavours as the game progressed, with his intelligent one-twos and engine allowing him to cut through the core of Liverpool’s midfield.
In a turn of events which seemed tailor-made for Sissoko to complete his incredible transition into a Spurs hero, the all-action midfielder blazed over with a wild left-footed strike.
In the aftermath of the game, Sissoko took the fall for his teammates (via RMC Sport): “I blame myself for this defeat.”
Noble, selfless and humble, his words are refreshing and rare in the modern game. Some fans, of course, will be inclined to share his sentiments, while plenty of sympathisers will instead unleash the full force of their anger at Lloris.
Nobody actually expected you to score anyway, Moussa.
Hugo Lloris
Speaking of Lloris, there is an element of Déjà vu in the post-match comments from the Spurs stopper.
Just as his compatriot did, the Frenchman appeared to accept responsibility for the defeat after his mistake resulted in the dramatic winning goal (via Sky Sports).
“When you are a goalkeeper, you know the responsibility. It’s like this. Of course you question yourself
“The good thing is that you know there is another game in three days, so you need to switch off about today and prepare the next game. I think it’s the best way to forget.
“I tried to catch the ball twice but unfortunately there was no bounce, it bounced straight to the shin of Toby, and then what happened, happened. The luck was probably on the opponent’s side today.”
Another Spursy moment provided by Lloris on the big stage.
How many chances will he get before Pochettino’s patience runs empty?
Jurgen Klopp
Klopp is a manager who has been celebrated for his ‘heavy metal’ brand of ruthless counter-attacking football, but Liverpool’s title challenge has notably been built on their ability to win ugly when the roaring heavy metal approach has struggled to hit the right notes.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp had something to say about how his side’s style has differed this season.
“It feels like we always have to apologise a little bit that because of the football last season and stuff like that, because people always want the 100 per cent package.
“We had to find a way to win football games much more often than in the past. So until now it kind of worked, we didn’t score less goals than last year, I think. I don’t have the numbers in my mind but for sure not a lot. It’s all good.”
As Klopp has alluded to, as long as the points keep flowing there’s no reason to criticise the aesthetics behind the results, especially at this stage in the season.
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino was very much interested in underlining the fact that Tottenham’s Champions League hopes rest in their hands, while some special praise was reserved for a group of players who have been operating under unprecedented circumstances (via Sky Sports).
“Now we start a mini-league, with seven games ahead, in the top four it is in our hands. With all the circumstances happening this season, they are more than heroes, and we need to keep the trust and confidence, and of course we are going to fight to be in the Champions League.”
If Spurs manage to maintain their place in the top-four and overcome Manchester City in the semi-final of the Champions League, the season will have to be regarded as a resounding success.