Liverpool roared back to form in style as a scintillating first-half display, where they scored 2 goals, proved to be enough to stop Tottenham Hotspur’s juggernaut and bring about their 1st loss since the turn of the year. Sadio Mane on his first start at Anfield in a long time tore apart the Spurs defence in the opening half an hour and would have been disappointed not to score even more. Liverpool’s pressing and speed in the form of the Senegalese and Danny Rose and Vertonghen’s absence together culminated to make the meanest defence in the Premier League look ineffective.
Even though the second half was a lot even, Spurs never really looked like getting back into the game and it was a foregone conclusion long before the referee blew the final whistle.
Let us take a look at how the Liverpool players fared.
MIGNOLET- 7/10
Made an excellent save to deny Son in the first half which could have turned the flow of the game. Confident handling of the ball and kept a clean sheet. Go Figure.
CLYNE- 7/10
Ventured forward in the first half as it was all Liverpool. Tightened up at the back after the interval and dealt well with Son and a drifting Alli.
LEIVA- 8/10
A fighting display from the veteran. Kane targeted him in the air but the Brazilian held on. Cleared anything and everything around him and kept a clean sheet. Deserved ovation while going off.
MATIP- 7/10
Kept Kane in check and formed a good partnership with Leiva.
MILNER- 7.5/10
Played almost as a winger in the first half. Always at hand for passes or to defend. Accomplished display from the Englishman.
LALLANA- 7.5/10
Pressed and drove Wanyama and Dembele up the wall. Was full of tricks and flicks aligned with energy at the centre of the park. His work-rate was crucial.
HENDERSON- 7.5/10
Controlled the centre of the park. His passing was brilliant in the first half and his angled deliveries stretched the Spurs’ defence and left them in a tangle.
WIJNALDUM- 7/10
A combative display at the centre of the park. Fought well with Dembele and Wanyama and set up Mane’s first goal.
COUTINHO- 6.5/10
Not at his best and the elusive goal did not come but his presence and his expertise on the ball contributed to the win.
FIRMINO- 7/10
Good work-rate and although he, like the others, was overshadowed by Mane, Klopp would have been pleased with his display.
MANE- 9/10
Two goals. Should have had 4, but for Lloris. His pace left Davies in a heap. Impossible to control on his day.
SUBSTITUTES
CAN- 6/10
Closed the game.
KLAVAN- 6/10
Replaced Lucas.
ARNOLD- NA/10
