Liverpool are four points clear at the top after a 6-3 win away to Tottenham
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By AADAM PATEL
Published: 13:55 EST, 22 December 2024 | Updated: 13:58 EST, 22 December 2024
Liverpool beat Tottenham 6-3 in an enthralling contest to go four points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
The visitors established a two-goal lead as Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister got on the scoresheet.
James Maddison got a goal back for Tottenham but Dominik Szoboszlai's effort meant that Liverpool went into the break with a 3-1 lead.
Mohamed Salah scored twice for Liverpool before Dejan Kulusevski and Dominik Solanke got on the scoresheet for Tottenham.
There was still time for Diaz to double his tally and score Liverpool's sixth goal, with Tottenham remaining in eleventh place.
Mail Sport's Aadam Patel assesses how each player performed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Liverpool moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they beat Tottenham 6-3
Arne Slot was delighted as his Liverpool side managed to secure another important victory
There was much frustration for Tottenham, who are in 11th place in the Premier League
TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1):
Fraser Forster (3)
A bag of nerves all game, kicking the ball straight to Salah early on and should have come off his line for Liverpool’s second goal. Conceded six and could have been more.
Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster struggled and was a bag of nerves throughout the game
Pedro Porro (4)
Usually all-action but he struggled against both Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. Him and Radu Dragusin were the two weak links in Spurs’ defence.
Radu Dragusin (4)
Poor defending for Luis Diaz’s opener and had a dreadful first-half. Tottenham badly missed Cristian Romero.
Archie Gray (5)
The 18-year-old started at centre-half and in fairness, showed a maturity beyond his years. A remarkable talent that was one of a few positives for Spurs.
Djed Spence (5)
Up against Salah and he battled well for most of the game with the Egyptian but Salah was simply too good in a couple of key moments.
Pape Matar Sarr (4.5)
Struggled all game against a Liverpool midfield that was too strong for Spurs and was put out of his misery just before the hour mark.
Pape Matar Sarr found it difficult all game against a Liverpool midfield that was too strong
Yves Bissouma (5)
Like Sarr, was ineffective as Arne Slot’s side ran riot. Only kept on for the entire game because of a lack of options on the bench
Dejan Kulusevski (6)
Initially caused Robertson some problems but simply failed to get on the ball enough. Took his goal on the volley beautifully but it was nothing more than a consolation.
James Maddison (5.5)
Was non-existent for much of the first half but credit where it’s due as he took the goal really well. Taken off in the 57th minute for Brennan Johnson and rightly so.
Heung-Min Son (4)
Did nothing of note. A forgettable afternoon for the Spurs skipper, who was replaced for Timo Werner late on.
Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son endured a forgettable afternoon and did nothing of note
Dominic Solanke (6)
Was quiet for most of the game but got a nice assist for Kulusevski’s goal and took his goal well.
Subs
Brennan Johnson (6)
Lucas Bergvall (6)
Timo Werner
Manager
Ange Postecoglou (4)
Can’t fault his side for their effort but they were far too open defensively and completely outclassed by a superior Liverpool side. Entertainment provided, as promised.
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker (6)
A sea of calm compared to Forster. Excellent distribution though was flat-footed for Spurs’ goal and will be annoyed that he conceded three.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8)
Ran the game in the first-half and got a brilliant assist for Diaz’s opener. Has this ability to play passes that no one else sees. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet too.
Joe Gomez (6.5)
Was barely tested most of the afternoon at centre-half and won the majority of his battles though part of a Liverpool defence that lost concentration late on but saw the game out.
Virgil Van Dijk (6.5)
Jamie Carragher called him a ‘cheat code’ pre-match. Exceptional for most of the game but will not be happy with the way his side gave Spurs a sniff in the second-half.
Andy Robertson (7)
Back from his ban and was solid, until the latter stages where he was beaten too easily. Played a part in the second goal. A performance that will do wonders for his confidence.
Andrew Robertson produced a performance that will do wonders for his confidence
Ryan Gravenberch (7.5)
Such a force. Dictated the tempo of the game and so good to watch when he drives with the ball. Arguably the best central midfielder in the league this season.
Alexis Mac Allister (6.5)
Did really well for his goal, getting in a threatening position and heading home but was at fault for giving Spurs a lifeline, when he lost the ball for Maddison’s goal.
Mohamed Salah (9)
Missed a couple chances but scored twice in the second-half to become the Premier League top-scorer. Got two assists too and he’s top of the rankings for that too. Just a normal day at the office for the best player in the league.
Mohamed Salah scored twice in the second half to go top of the Premier League scoring charts
Dominik Szoboszlai (8.5)
All-action. His best performance in a Liverpool shirt, playing a part in the second goal and finishing wonderfully for the third. Got an assist and should have scored again.
Dominik Szoboszlai was all-action and produced his best display in a Liverpool shirt
Cody Gakpo (7)
Caused problems all game and though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, was effective throughout. Has to be more ruthless in front of goal. Taken off for Jota in the 68th minute.
Luis Diaz (8.5)
Had a point to prove after last season and his energy was too much for Spurs. Scored his 10th goal of the season with a superb header and finished the game with a quality finish.
Subs
Diogo Jota (6)
Curtis Jones (6)
Harvey Elliott
Darwin Nunez
Manager
Arne Slot (8)
Will enjoy his Christmas with Liverpool top of the league. His side were dominant and a joy to watch though conceding three goals won’t please him one bit.