TNT Sports commentator Sam Matterface has confessed he owes Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard an apology. The former Reds skipper found himself rudely interrupted by the broadcaster during their Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven. Gerrard was providing his expert analysis midway through the opening period when Matterface suddenly cut across his commentary.
As the Liverpool icon was speaking, Matterface took control as Cody Gakpo and Milos Kerkez linked up in the penalty area, though the Hungarian’s cross was deflected behind by the PSV defender. The hosts were forced to mount another comeback against the Dutch side after skipper Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
Ivan Perisic coolly converted the penalty to give the visitors the lead after just five minutes.
However, Dominik Szoboszlai was perfectly positioned to convert the rebound after Gakpo’s initial attempt, levelling the score shortly afterwards, and Gerrard was impressed with his former team’s reaction.
Before being cut off, he remarked: “Very much so [a frenetic start], PSV came out very quick against Liverpool and got their reward.
“Liverpool reacted well, they’re more intense, playing better, playing forward quicker and got their reward. Gakpo being positive..”
The studio coverage then switched to Steve McManaman providing his analysis after Matterface spoke over the former England captain. However, co-commentator Lucy Ward was quick to highlight the audacious move from her colleague.
She quipped: “Yeah, you’ve just talked over Steven Gerrard, I can’t believe it.”
Matterface retorted: “There was a big chance. I wouldn’t do it normally, and I’ll probably have to go and apologise to him later.”
Arne Slot‘s team were in dire need of a comeback after a disappointing 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest on the weekend.
The Dutchman made two alterations from the squad that were easily defeated by Sean Dyche’s team with Alexander Isak relegated to the bench, while Alisson Becker was completely absent due to illness.
Szoboszlai was reinstated to the midfield, with Curtis Jones stepping in at right-back following injury problems for Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.