[team 8] didn’t score a single goal in 2021 until they faced the side from North London. They lost their enormous unbeaten home streak against [team 27]. They were also knocked out from the [league 24] by arch-rivals [team 14]. With the champions slipping out of the title race, this was a huge game to make a statement and reassert their title chances.
As for the home side, it was in 2 wins from last 7 coming into the Liverpool game, and just a point and a place separated both clubs in the [league 8] standings. The winner was deemed to have a chance for the title whereas the chances would be almost gone for the losing side.
Another big injury blow for [coach 455353] as key player [player 96099] didn’t make it to the matchday squad. However, Matip did come in to partner the skipper with [player 197] starting in the midfield three. The front three started with some positive glimpses that they showed against Man United In the cup.
As for [team 6], it was a back three with [player 380886] not in the side. Dier played between Rodon and [player 989] with Aurier and [player 3884] deployed as wing-backs. The rest of the starting eleven wasn’t a surprise with the in-form [player 99148] starting alongside Højbjerg. However, the change of system was something to keep an eye on.
First-Half
It was quite an eventful start to the match. Liverpool came close to scoring in the opening minutes through [player 1389] who failed to finish. Just a few seconds later, Spurs thought they had taken the lead through [player 4313]. However, the goal was eventually denied after a VAR check for an offside. However, the offside was extremely close, and the decision brought a lot of anger among [coach 455375]’s Tottenham staff.
The match continued with a similar tempo to the start of the game. A few minutes later, Mane missed another good chance and Son came close to scoring again but was denied by a perfectly-timed challenge by [player 1920]. With chances coming at both ends, [player 129820] was involved when he saved a shot from Son and soon a beautiful interchange of passing opened up the host’s backline, but Mane’s final touch was saved by [player 1014]. Another huge chance came Mane’s way, and this time it was a fantastic sliding tackle from [player 339112] that saved Spurs from going behind.
Just when everyone thought that the first half would end in a few seconds at 0-0, [player 95094] went to sleep, and Mane was quick to profit. With no one pressuring [player 323] from coming out with the ball, the skipper then played an accurate pass into Mane’s path. The Senegalese then rolled the ball across the face of the goal with neither Lloris nor [player 916] took charge of the situation. The ball eventually found its way to [player 1461] who applied the easiest of finishes. The last kick of the half turned out to be the most crucial one, and from nowhere, Spurs were clueless going into the dressing room.
It was a half dominated by Liverpool’s midfield and attack, and they could have scored more. Tottenham had some decent chances as well but were not creating enough to pounce upon. Liverpool had 59% of the ball with 4 out of 7 shots on target. Spurs meanwhile, had just 1 on target from a total of 2 shots in the whole half. However, Tottenham were defending resolutely with the hotspurs recording 13 clearances in the first half.
Second-Half
There were three changes in total at the start of the second half. [player 941] and [player 1711] came in for Aurier and [player 997]. The striker picked up a knock in his ankle and couldn’t continue. For Liverpool, [player 1494396] came in for Matip who once again picked up an injury. Injury concerns in defensive positions just keep getting worse for Klopp’s side.
Liverpool started the second half better, and [player 4125] came close for the second before Alexander-Arnold’s crisp volley doubled Liverpool’s lead. Lloris was the one again at the mistake as his initial save from Mane was poor. He palmed the ball into the path of the Liverpool right back. Hardly a minute later, Spurs responded with a thunder strike from [player 1744], and the margin was decreased to one goal.
In the 56th minute, the champions though they had recovered a two-goal advantage when Salah finished off an excellent counter-attack. However, Firmino’s handball in the lead up to the goal was considered an offence. Martin Atkinson decided to cancel the goal after having a brief look at the monitor.
Nevertheless, a few minutes later, Liverpool scored the third goal through Mane. He pounced upon Rodon’s horrible mistake in front of the goal. It came from a fine delivery from Alexander-Arnold, but Rodon should have cleared it in all fairness. The away side kept pushing for more goals after what has been a dry January for them, but they didn’t score again.
However, on the whole, it was a performance with a statement of intent. Liverpool look back at their best and could have a run of results that could see them fighting at the top. However, with the defensive crisis, they have currently, our the forebet predictions for the title: Would be a miracle.
Eye-Catching Performers
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The young right-back is having an average season by his standards, and his England place is also slipping away. Criticism around him this season has consistently been high, and a strong performance at some point was required. Finally, it arrived in some style along with the front three as [player 1917] scored the second goal and assisted the third.
He also completed 2 interceptions, 1 tackle and 1 clearance. The 22-year-old wasn’t dribbled past a single time against Spurs. With Liverpool still hoping a miraculous come back in the title race, Trent’s performances will be essential as we step into February.
James Milner (Liverpool)
The 35-year-old Englishman’s fitness against Spurs was on top. His work rate was key in executing Klopp’s gegenpress, and also his distribution in possession was second to none. Milner completed 4 key passes along with 3 long balls and 1 cross. Impressively, he also completed 3 interceptions as well as 2 tackles.
Liverpool’s significant injuries will affect Milner’s game time, and his involvement could be vital for Liverpool’s slim chances for the title.
