By: Dan Clubbe
Liverpool 4-3 Tottenham
Liverpool started like a house on fire and raced into a three-goal lead with Curtis Jones, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah scoring at will against a hapless Spurs side who appeared to be there for the taking!
However, the Reds allowed the visitors back into the contest and were masters of their own downfall too often as Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and ex-Everton forward Richarlison hit back – his first Premier League goal of the season.
But, Diogo Jota had other ideas and finished moments later in front of the Kop with all the calmness required to finally end the game as a contest and seal all three points for Jurgen Klopp’s side!
Here’s how I rated those involved:
Alisson Becker 6 – Little he could do with the opener as Kane had the freedom of Anfield to score. Helpless with two further efforts as the visitors hit the post. Caught out in no-mans land a little for what was the equaliser at one stage.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 – Ran the show for the first half an hour and provided the opener with a trademark assist carved out beautifully. Continued to provide flashes of brilliance but it became increasingly difficult as Liverpool lost control.
Ibrahima Konate 6 – Impressed for the most part on his instant return back to the side but needlessly grabbed Richarlison late on and ran the risk of giving away a penalty in what was a frantic end to the game for the Frenchman.
Virgil van Dijk 6 – Had enjoyed a commanding display including a goal-line clearance as captain before he got stood up for Kane’s goal in an unpleasant fashion.
Andy Robertson 6 – Almost caught out and punished when he took a heavy touch. Deepest in the attempted offside line for Tottenham’s second on what was a difficult afternoon defensively for the Scot.
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Harvey Elliott 6 – Somewhat of a surprise inclusion but his workmanlike energy made up for any defensive deficiencies he may have.
Fabinho 6 – Another solid performance from the Brazilian at the base of a particularly youthful midfield.
Curtis Jones 8 MOM – Deserved the opener for his recent performances and continued to provide all the endeavour required to carry out that left-sided eight role. Typified his high-energy approach with a solo press in the second half that forced Spurs all the way back. Brilliant tracking back to clear with his head when the match was on a knife edge.
Luis Diaz 7 – Took his goal brilliantly on his return to the starting lineup and you could see just how much it meant to him. Stayed on following a horror challenge from Oliver Skipp. Never at full tilt but just boss to have him back.
Cody Gakpo 7 – Excellent assist for Diaz’s goal and smart touches to lead the line for the Reds. Won the penalty and provided an athletic outlet all afternoon.
Mohamed Salah 7 – A threat throughout and tucked away his penalty well having missed two in recent weeks.
Subs:
Jordan Henderson 6 – Poor quality when called upon, just when the Reds needed the control and poise he usually offers.
Diogo Jota 7 – Calmness personified to find the corner late on with a wonderful finish!! Relatively quiet before the decisive moment and booked for a very high boot on Skipp and perhaps somewhat fortunate it wasn’t more.
Darwin Nunez 6 – Usually introduced to bring the mayhem but he won the ball back twice in quick succession shortly after coming on for the Reds.
James Milner 6 – A necessity as Klopp’s side struggled badly to see it out!
Conclusion: Massive victory in a crazy game of football that Liverpool should’ve made much easier for themselves! Still plenty to address as that should’ve been over as a contest a long time before Jota stepped up to the plate. Got away with one but the Reds are finding ways to win again.
