Joe Gomez explains why Liverpool can't blame VAR controversy for Toulouse defeat
- Liverpool lost 3-2 to Toulouse in Europa League group stage on Thursday
- Reds denied stoppage-time equaliser by controversial VAR call
- Joe Gomez believes his side weren't good enough throughout the 90 minutes
By Sean Walsh
Joe Gomez has insisted Liverpool should not have been in a position that required them to score a late equaliser against Toulouse after they were denied a last-gasp draw on Thursday.
The Reds fell 3-2 to the French side to end their 100% start to their Europa League campaign and miss the chance to secure qualification to the last 16 at the earliest possible opportunity.
Liverpool were poor for the most part at the Stadium de Toulouse, going two down before an own goal from Cristian Casseres Jr offered them a lifeline. Frank Magri's strike put the hosts 3-1 up, but Diogo Jota's goal on the verge of stoppage time set up a nervy finish.
Jarell Quansah thought he had netted a leveller eight minutes into stoppage time, but a VAR check chalked it off due to an apparent handball from Alexis Mac Allister during the build-up.
In his post-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp said he was far more concerned about Liverpool's performance than the decision to rule out Quansah's equaliser, and this sentiment was echoed by Gomez.
"It's obviously disappointing, we never quite got control of the game. Obviously they went in front and then we never really got control of the game," Gomez said to TNT Sports.
"They made it difficult for us with the atmosphere but it's on us. It's frustrating that the decision didn't go for us but we shouldn't have been in this position in the first place.
"I think everyone is obviously complaining about it but we have to control the game and it's easy for us to moan and complain about the decision but I think they will look at it and if it's a goal, it's a goal and if it's not, it's not. It is what it is and we can't control that.
"All we can do is not be in this position to begin with and not be chasing the game at that point so we have to work on it and go again in the next game."
Gomez added: "I think they made it difficult, we didn't quite get hold of second balls and they were quite aggressive in the challenges. We didn't stay composed around their box and we didn't use the ball well enough. But we created some decent chances and got two goals.
"So it's tough, it's playing away from home in Europe and it's never going to be easy. But we have to learn from it and then we go again in the next group game.
"Tiredness? No, it's still early and we've got great depth in the squad and the gaffer has made changes. So it's not about making excuses. We need to pick ourselves up and get ready for the weekend."
Liverpool's final match before the November international break sees them return to Premier League action on Sunday when Brentford visit Anfield.
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