Liverpool beat nine-man Tottenham 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to goals from Isak and Ekitike, but which players impressed and who flopped for the Reds
20:11, 20 Dec 2025Updated 20:12, 20 Dec 2025
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Ryan Gravenberch during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 20, 2025 in London, England.
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Liverpool survived a late scare to beat Spurs(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool triumphed over a nine-man Tottenham in north London, thanks to second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The match was evenly balanced in the first half but tipped in Liverpool's favour when Xavi Simons of Tottenham was sent off 33 minutes in for a studs-up challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Isak, who came on as a substitute at half-time, broke the deadlock 11 minutes into the second half. However, he picked up an injury while scoring and had to be substituted.
Liverpool doubled their lead midway through the second half when Ekitike headed the ball into the top corner. Tottenham's Richarlison gave the home side hope with a goal in the 83rd minute, but Liverpool held on to secure all three points, even as Cristian Romero was sent off in the final moments.
Liverpool picked up all three points on Saturday
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Liverpool picked up all three points on Saturday(Image: PA)
Liverpool player ratings vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1), reports the Express.
Alisson, 8 - Despite a quiet night for most of the match, he was forced to make several excellent saves as Tottenham pressed forward. Always brings a sense of confidence when he starts.
Conor Bradley, 6 - He delivered a cross early in the game but struggled to make an impact. He received medical attention on the pitch during the first half and was replaced by Isak at half-time.
Ibrahima Konate, 5 - Appeared unsteady at times and failed to instil confidence as the central figure in Liverpool's defence. He faced constant challenges, even when Spurs were down to nine men.
Virgil van Dijk, 7 - He posed an aerial threat in Tottenham's box, aiming to connect with set-piece deliveries. Likely nursing a sore leg after a clash with Simons, which resulted in the Tottenham player being sent off. Held his ground well as Spurs launched late attacks.
Milos Kerkez, 5 - Advanced to support Liverpool's attack but often hesitated to cross the ball into the box. His passes frequently missed their mark when he did try to find his teammates.
Ryan Gravenberch, 7 - Continues to be a pivotal player under Arne Slot, controlling play in midfield. However, he was occasionally too slow in the first half when Liverpool needed to up the pace following Tottenham's reduction to 10 men. As Spurs sought an equaliser, he was increasingly called upon to shield the defence.
Curtis Jones, 6 - While positioned in midfield, he fell back to form a defensive quintet during a period of intense pressure from the home side in the first half. He was guilty of making too many lateral passes but generally held his own throughout the match.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 7 - Despite being Liverpool's standout player this season, he had a quiet first half in attack before switching to right-back following Isak's introduction. He stayed in that position even after Isak was substituted, delivering some quality crosses into the box.
Alexis Mac Allister, 5 - Failed to make an impact and lacked the necessary sharpness in the final third. Perhaps Liverpool would have fared better had he played further back, with Isak leading the attack alongside Ekitike. He needs to step up his game if he wants to retain his spot in the Reds' line-up.
Florian Wirtz, 8 - Proved a threat in the final third and had a chance with a header midway through the first half, quickly followed by another shot on goal. Tried to breach Tottenham's defence but wasn't always found by Liverpool's playmakers. Provided the assist for Isak's goal and was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition.
Huge Ekitike, 8 - Continued his impressive form with another goal for the Reds, seemingly securing the win in north London. Found himself isolated upfront in the first half but came into his own after the break, showcasing his skills once more.
Substitutions:
Alexander Isak, 7 - Brought on at half-time as Slot sought to capitalise on his team's numerical advantage. It took him just 11 minutes to score, but he sustained an injury in the process and had to be substituted.
Jeremie Frimpong, 7 - Replaced Isak following the Swede's injury and played in a forward position. He too had to be substituted due to an injury.
Federico Chiesa, 7 - Came on for Jeremie Frimpong in stoppage time as Liverpool tried to hold on to their lead.
Trey Nyoni, N/A - Came on with seconds remaining.
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Andy Robertson, N/A - Made a brief appearance in the final moments of the match.