A moment of mix up involving Tottenham's Hugo Lloris and Toby Alderweireld gifted Liverpool a dramatic late winner in Sunday's Premier League encounter. The Reds were handed a scare of sharing spoils with the visitors after Lucas Moura canceled out Roberto Firmino's 16th -minute strike with 20 minutes left to play.
With Manchester City securing a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, a draw would have taken Jurgen Klopp's men level on points with the Citizens – who have a game in hand – at 77. However, the resilience by the Anfield outfit fetched an unlikely goal which, in turn, soiled Tottenham's plan of getting something out of Merseyside.
In the final minutes of normal time, Belgian center back Toby Alderweireld turned the ball into his own net after Lloris failed to hold on to a header by Mohamed Salah. The own goal gave the hosts the lead, sparking crazy celebrations inside Anfield.
The win subsequently propelled Klopp's side to the top of the league table with 79 points. Watch the goal below (geo-restiction may apply):
FT: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) March 31, 2019
After Salah heads the ball towards goal, Lloris fails to hold and an own goal gives the hosts the win. Klopp's side returns to the top of the table.
(via @NBCSportsSoccer) pic.twitter.com/P7TqTCsJOv
In a relative development, Hugo Lloris took the blame for the mistake in the dying embers of Sunday's encounter. Speaking to Sky Sports in the aftermath of the clash, he said: "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.
"It's tough, because we made so much effort to come back in the game. We had a few chances to score the second goal, but then on a set-piece we conceded this goal. So it's a bit sad for us.
"In the second half we showed we are still in the race, that we are going to finish strong and believe in the way we play. There are seven games to play and we still have a chance to finish in the top-four. It's still in our hands.
"We knew from the beginning (of the season) it would be tough until the end. It's a big battle against top clubs. The important thing is that, even after defeat today, we are still in the position. There are seven games to play and the objective is to win all of them."