Liverpool successfully extended their time at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The win was by no means straightforward and was marred by injuries to both Alisson and Alexis Mac Allister but it did keep Liverpool top of the table.
An early goal from Diogo Jota was all that separated the two sides and Palace made the Reds work hard for the three points at Selhurst Park.
Curtis Jones made his first Premier League start under Arne Slot during the match, but it was Jones’ replacement Wataru Endo who received online attention after the full-time whistle.
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Endo’s impressive cameo
Although the Japanese midfielder was only on the pitch for a couple of minutes he made a lasting impression for a lot of Liverpool fans.
Despite coming on late in the game when the Reds were under serious pressure, Endo was involved straight away and impressed fans with his dedication.
In one particular incident, Endo chased the ball into the corner of the pitch and was then pushed over, but the Japanese veteran made sure to knock the ball out for a throw-in and not a goal kick as he went down.
Endo bats it out for a throw-in instead of a Palace goal kick, give him a new contract immediately
— Poots (@Poots__) October 5, 2024
If the referee wasn’t going to give a foul for the shove on Endo, he probably should’ve awarded Palace a free kick for the midfielder’s blatant handball.
No free kick was given though and Reds have been loving Endo’s gamesmanship online.
Fans react to Endo’s cheeky play
Fans took straight to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their admiration for the 31-year-old.
Endo handballed it out for a throwing instead of a goal kick😭😭😭😭
— 𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗦 (@LFC_Lucas_) October 5, 2024
Endo hardly gets minutes and yet he proves himself time and again.
Love him.— Akshata Shukla (@shukla_akshata) October 5, 2024
Alongside his clever time-wasting tactics Endo also put in a good shift, making some important tackles and interceptions and relieving some of the pressure from Liverpool’s back four and debutant ‘keeper Vitezslav Jaros.
It is moments like these that Endo is perfect for, coming on and calming a game down to see out a 1-0 lead.
The veteran midfielder has only played a bit part role for Liverpool under Slot, and it doesn’t look like that will change any time soon, but supporters still love the Reds’ no.3 and will be hoping he can be just as useful every time he is called upon this campaign.
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