Liverpool survived a late flurry as they held out to deliver a 2-1 victory over nine-man Tottenham Hotspur in North London.
Spurs forward Xavi Simons’ red card in the first half gave the Reds a significant advantage, with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike netting after the break for Arne Slot’s side. But Richarlison’s goal for the home side gave them hope aplenty and despite seeing Cristian Romero dismissed for a second booking, Thomas Frank’s side continued to rally but Liverpool held out.
The opening stages of the first half were cagey, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Virgil van Dijk had a header easily saved for Liverpool in the 13th minute, with Randal Kolo Muani having a tame effort of his own kept out by visiting goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
But the game markedly swung in the Reds’ favour in the 33rd minute when Spurs were reduced to 10 men. Xavi Simons had initially been issued a yellow card for a late challenge on Van Dijk. However, after a VAR review, on-field referee John Brooks overturned his original decision and gave Simons his marching orders.
However, Liverpool could not profit from their numerical advantage before the break The closest they went was Florian Wirtz’s shot was well saved by Tottenham keeper Gugielmo Vicario.
The Reds did punish Spurs after the interval, though, with their £225 million duo combining. Wirtz slipped in Isak, who produced a fine first-time finish. That was to be Isak’s last involvement, having only come on at half-time, as he was clattered by Micky van de Ven.
Then on 66 minutes, Slot’s side doubled their lead when Ekitike headed home Jeremie Frimpong’s cross - and it really should have been game over. Yet the Reds left the door ajar and Spurs made them pay. Liverpool’s vulnerabilities from set-pieces was again exposed when they failed to deal with several phases of a free-kick and Richarlison lashed home with eight minutes remaining.
That set up a nervy ending for the Reds and even though Romero was issued a second yellow card, Tottenham kept on probing with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker making a couple of big saves. There was relief when the full-time whistle went and Spurs will undoubtedly feel harshly done by. But Liverpool managed to see out the game for all three points and move up to fifth in the Premier League table.
Barely tested in the first half but got off his line really well when to thwart Muani. Made a few huge saves in the closing stages to deliver a win.
1. Alisson Becker - 8
Barely tested in the first half but got off his line really well when to thwart Muani. Made a few huge saves in the closing stages to deliver a win. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Made a couple of really important blocks in the first half and had a good battle with Djed Spence. However, subbed off at half-time after having treatment for an ankle problem.
2. Conor Bradley - 7
Made a couple of really important blocks in the first half and had a good battle with Djed Spence. However, subbed off at half-time after having treatment for an ankle problem. | Getty Images
Won plenty of headers and made a couple of big blocks in the first half. Booked in the second half and was perhaps lucky it was Romero rather than himself who received a second yellow. Still won loads of headers.
3. Ibrahima Konate - 7
Won plenty of headers and made a couple of big blocks in the first half. Booked in the second half and was perhaps lucky it was Romero rather than himself who received a second yellow. Still won loads of headers. | Getty Images
Fairly comfortable throughout the first half and managed to shake off the challenge that earned Simons a red card. Should have dealt with the bouncing ball for Richarlison's goal.
4. Virgil Van Dijk - 6
Fairly comfortable throughout the first half and managed to shake off the challenge that earned Simons a red card. Should have dealt with the bouncing ball for Richarlison's goal. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images