Premier League Match Centre clear up why Liverpool goal vs Spurs was allowed to stand

The Premier League's official match centre account on X have clarified why Liverpool's second goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday was allowed to stand. The account confirmed that there was normal contact for an aerial challenge between the goalscorer, Hugo Ekitike, and Christian Romero.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Ekitike continued the Reds' improved form in recent games as Arne Slot's side made it three wins in a row across all competitions with a 2-1 victory in north London. Liverpool were, however, indebted to the home side's meltdown, with Xavi Simons sent off in the first half after raking his studs down the back of Virgil van Dijk in a dangerous attempt to win the ball.

Spurs centre-back Romero was then sent off after lashing out at Ibrahima Konate in the second 45. The Argentine was shown a second yellow card - not long after falling to ground in his own box before Ekitike headed in to double Liverpool's lead.

And the Premier League Match Centre account on X have confirmed why the goal stood - despite protestation from Tottenham.

"The referee’s call of goal for Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR - with it deemed there was normal contact for an aerial challenge between Ekitike and Romero," the account posted.

Saturday's defeat in the capital continued Spurs' poor home record in the league under manager Thomas Frank. Tottenham have won just twice at their home ground in the Premier League this term - losing five and drawing two.

The 11 league games Spurs have lost at home across 2025 is also the most in a calendar year in club history.

Frank, though, has shared his pride at Tottenham's performance against Slot's team.

Speaking post-match to BBC Match of the Day, he said: "First and foremost I'm extremely proud of the players and the team. I think they gave everything and showed unbelievable mentality and worked very hard on how to deal with setbacks.

"The way they responded to several setbacks was immense. The first one is the first red, which I think... I've seen it given before but I don't like it. I don't like those types of red cards because I think the game is gone if that's a red card.

"I don't think it's a reckless tackle. I don't think it's exceptional force. We have the referee call and that was a yellow so that's why I don't think that's a red.

"We dealt well with that. The players stayed in the game, defended well, kept going. Then we concede the first goal, and then the second one is a big mistake. Two hands in the back from the striker - as far as I know the laws of football you are not allowed to do that. That's fine to happen on the pitch, the referees are only human but then the VAR bails you out, which they didn't do.