Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, discusses Joel Matip’s own goal in a loss to Tottenham.

If one of us succeeds, we all fail. Unfortunately for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, an own goal scored by Joel Matip was the difference in a 2-1 loss at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. The Reds, playing with just nine men for a significant portion of the game, displayed maybe their game-best level of mental toughness in the face of adversity.

Joel scored the game-winning goal in the 94th minute on an errant clearance attempt that Harry Kane would be proud of. While we all laughed, the fact is that Matip was one of our finest players and that Jurgen Klopp praised the team’s effort in defeat. The manager shared the following comments with the BBC:

It almost seems predetermined, as if someone had to place their foot exactly where it is. Today, Joel’s defense was superb. The ball went in off his foot and into the net.

There may be worse things happening. That’s just the way it is.

The remarks of Klopp echoed the view that fate can be a “fickle mistress” in football, as one of the analysts put it. While Matip’s own goal was unfortunate, it shouldn’t take away from Liverpool’s overall tenacity and will.

Recognizing that football, like life, is a sequence of ups and downs, the manager’s outlook highlights his ability to keep the club focused on the greater goal.

The Reds’ loss was a tough one.

Liverpool’s history is one of tenacity and willpower. Although the result versus Tottenham was not favorable, the team’s resilience and cohesiveness in the face of adversity bode well for the remainder of the season.

Liverpool’s ability to come out on top while facing adversity says a lot about their mettle as a team. Although the loss was upsetting, it in no way reflects their performance or current form.

A reminder of the strength of character inside the Liverpool team is provided by Matip’s performance despite his own goal and the team’s combined effort.