In an ideal world, we’d like to think Emre Can remained on the pitch yesterday thanks entirely to Joel Matip taking the fall for a crunching double challenge from the pair.
Both mistimed their joint-tackle on Theo Walcott with Can, already on a yellow card at the time, seemingly fouling the Arsenal man first. Matip followed this up by appearing to take the blame in an attempt to stop referee Bobby Madley from sending the German off.
The fact Matip himself didn’t then receive a booking suggests Can would also have been safe from being given his marching orders. It was quick-thinking from the defender nonetheless and a reminder of the unity in this team.
As for the challenge itself, it was the kind of gritty and aggressive approach that we perhaps need to see more of throughout the rest of the season. It was the kind of hard-hitting and tough effort that we expect from a Jurgen Klopp-led team.
(Matip takes the blame for Can)
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