The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium played host to a drab first-half before Liverpool came to life in the second 45. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike scored within ten minutes of one another as Arne Slot's reigning champions walked away with three points after a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Thomas Frank's men started well, enjoying their share of possession while pushing and prodding at Liverpool's back line. The Reds themselves, too, enjoyed a chance to grab the opener within the first half hour or so – but neither team could find a breakthrough.
After a first half devoid of any real quality from either side, you could bet that Spurs would've been the happier of two sides before Xavi Simons received a red card for his rash, studs-up challenge on the back of Virgil van Dijk's leg.
Isak, after entering the fray at half-time, produced what we saw from him during his time at Newcastle United: an instinctive finish inside the box. Scoring his seventh goal against Spurs (more than any other side in the Premier League), he was found by Florian Wirtz before slotting home.
Liverpool's summer addition Ekitike then rose the highest in the Spurs box, above the towering figure of Cristian Romero, to head home Liverpool's second of the affair, putting his side firmly in the driving seat.
Chaos in the Liverpool penalty box, however, allowed Richarlison the space to convert from point-blank range. Van Dijk's swing-and-a-miss at the ball was poor, and the Brazilian swept his effort home with ease. He then missed a brilliant chance to draw level minutes later, but he fluffed his lines.
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Match Statistics
Tottenham Hotspur
35%
15
5
2
2
2
Match Highlights
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
kudus tottenham
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – 4/10
Reliable when called upon, Vicario's positioning for Isak's goal was very poor. A goalkeeper of his calibre should be doing better, while he was standing still for Ekitike's header.
RB: Pedro Porro – 4/10
The sharp feet of Wirtz sometimes got the better of the Spanish right-back, whose deliveries into the box were far off the mark.
CB: Micky van de Ven – 4/10
Had very little pressure to deal with until Isak came on, and he was unable to thwart the Swedish striker's goal with a lunging challenge.
CB: Cristian Romero – 4/10
Suspect in his battle with Ekitike on the odd occasion, the Spurs skipper exposed his team to a quick Liverpool break with a poor pass in the lead-up to Isak's opener. Defensively soft for Ekitike's header.
LB: Djed Spence – 7/10
One of Spurs' brightest players in the first half, Spence bombarded Bradley with questions while also remaining defensively sound. Linked up well with Bergvall.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – 5/10
Offered very little from an offensive perspective and his defensive work was shaky at times, but the Uruguayan did battle well in the midfield.
CM: Archie Gray – 6/10
A half-decent performance from the youngster, Gray was often quickest to a loose ball in his own half as he looked to tidy up and launch attacks too.
CAM: Lucas Bergvall – 6/10
Often popping up in pockets of space to offer his teammates an outlet, Bergvall played in a floating role but rarely caused many problems for the Reds.
RW: Mohammed Kudus – 4/10
A frustrating display from one of Spurs' typically bright players, Kudus' lack of awareness and urgency was evident from start to finish.
ST: Randal Kolo Muani – 5/10
The striker's shot was blocked in the opening five minutes, and then he missed a gilt-edged chance with too soft a header in the 27th minute. Could've had a couple goals to his name.
LW: Xavi Simons – 2/10
Enjoyed a lively start with plenty of touches of the ball, Simons' influence began to wane, and he was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Van Dijk.
Sub: Brennan Johnson (59') – 3/10
Involved quickly after his substitution, Johnson offered very little threat on the right flank.
Sub: Joao Palhinha (71') – 4/10
Although he may have known very little about it, he picked up an assist for Richarlison's goal.
Sub: Wilson Odobert (71') – 4/10
Added some energy but wasn't too fruitful with his effort.
Sub: Richarlison (80') – 5/10
A substitute with the desired effect, Richarlison struck quickly after his substitution.
Liverpool Player Ratings
van dijk liverpool
GK: Alisson Becker – 6/10
Pinpoint with his passing, Alisson remained alert to Spurs' attacking threat and made xxx saves.
RB: Conor Bradley – 4/10
Produced a crucial block within five minutes of play but struggled with Spence getting high and wide on the left. Made way for Isak at half-time.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
Subject to Simons' studs on the back of his calf, the Liverpool captain had plenty
CB: Ibrahima Konate – 5/10
Won the physical battle against his compatriot Kolo Muani and he was aerially sound.
LB: Milos Kerkez – 6/10
High and wide for the majority of the affair, Kerkez often found himself in a position to create from the left flank – but his deliveries were often directed at no teammate.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – 4/10
Not up to his usual standards, Gravenberch was often hesitant in his passing.
CM: Curtis Jones – 6/10
Sometimes into a deeper role to provide a third central defender, Jones saw plenty of the ball as their most energetic player. Not that it amounted to much, though.
CAM: Alexis Mac Allister – 3/10
The Argentine looked lost in the midst of a congested midfield area.
RW: Dominik Szoboszlai – 6/10
In place of Mohamed Salah, Szoboszlai was certainly busy in the first half, but his effort was to no avail. Shifted to right-back for the second half.
ST: Hugo Ekitike – 7/10 (Man of the Match)
Ekitike was offered little to no service in the encounter's early sparring, but he brilliantly latched onto Frimpong's cross to double his side's lead. His second-half performance was much better.
LW: Florian Wirtz – 6/10
Got very little change out of Porro but enjoyed more joy when picking up the space in between the lines. Some loose touches here and there.
Sub: Alexander Isak (46') – 6/10
Substituted on to make a difference, Isak did just that by opening the scoring in the 56th minute. Stretchered off after picking up an injury. He looked bright.
Sub: Jeremie Frimpong (60') – 5/10
Returning after two months, Frimpong delivered a brilliant ball into Ekitike's vinicity for his side's second goal. Subbed after an injury to the face.
Sub: Federico Chiesa (90') – 3/10
Offered fresh legs on the right after Frimpong's injury.
Sub: Andrew Robertson (99') – N/A
Enjoyed just seconds on the pitch.
Sub: Trey Nyoni (99') – N/A
Enjoyed just seconds on the pitch.