Tottenham Hotspur travelled to the Anfield after enjoying a fantastic win in the Champions League. However, they still went in as underdogs in this match against Liverpool and eventually succumbed to a 2-1 defeat after taking the lead in the first minute.
Spurs scored with their first chance as Son Heung-Min unleashed a shot from the edge of the box which hit the post and the ball fell kindly to Kane who slotted it away. Spurs pressed well to begin with, but Liverpool soon managed to gain control of the game as they created waves of attack. Stand-in goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga made some terrific saves to keep Spurs in the lead at half time.
Liverpool started from where they left in the second half, and their sustained pressure finally got them the goal as Henderson finished well from a tight angle. Spurs did have a chance earlier to go two up as Son managed to hit the post after rounding off Alisson after a quick release from Gazzaniga. Aurier went on to concede a penalty in the 74thminute as he clearly caught Mane on his calf. Salah scored from the spot and Pochettino’s men failed to find a way back in the last few minutes.
Here is how they fared on a tough night at Anfield.
Paulo Gazzaniga 8
Big credit to the Argentine for keeping Spurs in the game. Made plenty of saves and was composed on the ball. Made one brilliant long pass to Son which almost got Spurs a two goal advantage.
Toby Alderweireld 6
Looked stretched as Liverpool just kept on coming with waves of attacks. Did well overall. Had a last-minute chance through a corner which he failed to turn in.
Davinson Sanchez 7
Has come under criticism off late but played a crucial role in defence as he made some crucial tackles and interceptions.
Danny Rose 6
Might have to take some blame for Liverpool’s first goal. Alexander-Arnold kept on delivering crosses for fun as Rose wasn’t able to get tight to him. Provided some good moments in the attacking half but his finishing was lacking.
Serge Aurier 5
His spatial awareness was poor as Mane nicked the ball just off him as he tried to clear and he banged his leg on the Liverpool attacker which gave the Reds a penalty. Had a tough game overall as Liverpool looked threatening from the flanks.
Harry Winks 6
Worked hard but Liverpool were just too hot to handle sometimes. Was substituted early.
Moussa Sissoko 7
Played a massive role in the Spurs’ opener as he bodied Henderson and went on a rampaging run. One of his passes was overhit when Spurs were in a good position and Son could have gone one on one with the keeper. Did a decent job overall.
Dele Alli 6
Was hardly able to affect the game on the attacking front. Provided the work rate but as mentioned, Liverpool were too good sometimes.
Christian Eriksen 5.5
Robertson had a field day in Spurs’ half as Eriksen was failing to track him. Was often sticking inside when he could have closed down the fullback. Never really got into dangerous areas on the ball.
Son Heung-min 7.5
Quite clearly the most threatening Spurs player on the pitch. Whenever he had the ball, it seemed like he could make something happen. His shot led to an early goal. Was brilliant on the counter and unlucky to miss a chance in the second half where he rounded of Alisson.
Harry Kane 6.5
Troubled Lovren on quite a few occasions. Was strong in his duels. Adjusted his body well to finish for the goal. However, Spurs couldn’t get him into threatening situations often.
Substitutes
Tanguy Ndombele 5
The game was too quick for him. Provided the physicality in midfield but wasn’t able to create much.
Lucas Moura N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
