Liverpool were having a 44-game unbeaten Premier League run at Anfield prior to their Sunday evening clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The Champions of Europe defeated Spurs thrice last season including the Madrid final and were tipped to secure a commanding win amid Spurs’ dismal form.
But it went terribly wrong in early seconds when a fluke goal from Harry Kane earned the visitors a surprise lead, and the Paulo Gazzaniga masterclass in Spurs goal refrained the Reds from staging a comeback in the first half. But the galvanised Merseysiders kept up the tempo and eventually scored twice to script a dramatic 2-1 triumph.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their comeback win against Tottenham H0tspur.
Alisson Becker: 7
Could have done little to deny Harry Kane’s header from close range when Heung-min Son’s cross took a wicked deflection off Dejan Lovren and fell into the path of the Spurs’ marksman. But the Brazilian was spot on otherwise and made a few crucial saves late in the game to defend the narrow lead right until the final whistle.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8.5
Was relentless with his crosses and overlapping runs. Was creative, unpredictable and energetic in the attacking third whereas kept his defensive composure while tracking back and preventing counter-attacks.
Dejan Lovren: 6.5
Was unlucky in the early seconds when the ball deflected off him and resulted in Kane’s goal. Struggled at times against Son and Kane but used his experience to keep things calm in the closing minutes of the game.
Virgil van Dijk: 7.5
His long balls lacked accuracy, but the Dutchman delivered a steady display overall. Spurs did not have enough chances due to Liverpool’s domination, and the big centre-half maintained concentration to avoid a late upset when the visitors were chasing the equaliser.
Andrew Robertson: 8
Not only did he do well to contain Christian Eriksen but also kept on linking up with Sadio Mane down the wide areas. Whipped in crosses time and again and troubled the Lilywhites with his layoffs and cut insides.
Fabinho: 8.5
Proved his worth yet again while operating as a ‘number 6’. His timely tackles, blocks, interceptions and recoveries allowed the hosts to regain possession and threaten high up the pitch.
Jordan Henderson: 8
The skipper instigated a comeback with a volley that finally managed to beat Gazzaniga in Spurs goal. Was combative and clinical all throughout and stood up to the challenge after a series of underwhelming outings.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5
Worked hard all over the pitch and his off the ball movements were causing a problem for Spurs in maintaining their shape. The Dutch international, however, lacked composure in front of goal and was eventually taken off to be replaced by James Milner late in the game.
Mohamed Salah: 7.5
Had his opportunities to find the net early on, but scored the all-important goal for the Reds when he converted from the spot to make it 2-1. Had a knock in the dying minutes and was forced to make way for Joe Gomez with 5 minutes remaining.
Sadio Mane: 7
Missed a big chance in the first half but did exceptionally well to draw a foul from Serge Aurier. A penalty was awarded, and Salah made no mistake in turning things around for the league leaders.
Roberto Firmino: 6.5
Showcased his work ethics but once again lacked the sharpness in front of goal. Combined well with Mane and Salah but failed to convert his own opportunities. Was replaced by Divock Origi late into stoppage time.
Substitutes
James Milner: 6
Committed tactical fouls to slow the game down and used his experience to defend the lead despite Spurs’ desperate attempt to grab a result.
Joe Gomez: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Divock Origi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
