Venue: White Hart Lane
Score: 1-1
Scorers: Milner [43rd-minute penalty]; Danny Rose [72nd minute].
Michel Vorm – 9
If a wall had feet and gloves and it was very quick off the mark then it would have come close to Michel Vorm’s heroics here, at the White Hart Lane. Fended off Coutinho’s efforts, and snuffed dead countless counters Liverpool sprang evading Tottenham’s offside trap – played the sweeper-keep role to perfection. Could have easily been 1-4 to Liverpool if it had not been for him.
Kyle Walker – 5
To be fair, he shouldn’t have even started the match considering the illness, but to his credit tried to play through it. Couldn’t for long, substituted at the 28th minute, the time he was on the pitch he looked suspect giving away one too many counter-attacking opportunities to Liverpool.
Toby Alderweireld – 5
Toby was lucky to get away with it. Michel Vorm bailed him and his compatriot, Jan Vertonghen out one too many times when they failed to spring the offside trap in tandem, allowing fleetfooted Liverpool attackers to pounce.
Jan Vertonghen – 6
Looked laboured on the turn, the Liverpool front line had his number all first-half, but he did well enough to come back strongly in the second.
Danny Rose – 7
Danny from Doncaster had the most unenviable job on the pitch – not only did he have to be a focal point of Tottenham’s attacks from the wing, providing width, with Kyle Walker off injured – he had to keep Sadio Mane on a leash. He failed to in the first half, but as the Senegalese tired, Rose got the upper hand. Scored the emphatic equaliser for Spurs, charging forward, shrugging past the man he was supposed to mark. Well done.
Eric Dier – 8
England’s saving grace in the European Championship of 2016, he looks to have carried his fine form into Tottenham’s new season. Moved to right-back, he looked largely unfussed and played with authority of his domain. Played the cross for Rose to equalise. Stylish display.
Victor Wanyama – 7
Did well to stem the flow of the wave upon wave of Liverpool counter attacks, but was left wanting a few time due to the Reds’ quick one-twos. Put in a shift.
Christian Eriksen – 5
Pedestrian from Eriksen. Yet another big match where he’s been a passenger. Was kept quiet by Liverpool.
Dele Alli – 6
Forced to drop deeper, and into central midfield, he too had a passable display, in the first-half when Liverpool were making merry in the Tottenham engine room. A better performance by him after getting riled up by Sadio Mane in the second half. Tried to knit together some good move at the edge of the area.
Erik Lamela – 4
Clumsy, flat-footed, didn’t know much of what was going on. Gave away the penalty on a foul on Bob Firmino who milked the expected contact. Largely anonymous in the match, much like Eriksen.
Harry Kane – 5
Had to be shoehorned as a second striker, after Walker’s injury which saw Janssen come on – a tactical shuffle that did Harry Kane game no favours, whatsoever.
Substitutes
Vincent Janssen [on for Walker, 28th minute] – 6
Put himself about, did, big Janssen, but Joel Matip has his number as far as duels go. Good effort, but not a lot to show for.
Josh Onomah [on for Kane, 82nd minute] – 5
Largely lacking a clear strategy in his play, when he receives the ball, but, he did have a bright moment where even after being grounded with the ball, he retained possession, and wriggled away from three Liverpool players.
