Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool edged past Tottenham with a 2-1 win in a Premier League match defined by key decisions, red cards and late pressure. The Reds scored twice, faced 100 minutes of football, and finished the game against nine-man Spurs, who still forced Liverpool into a nervy finale. Alexander Isak opened the scoring shortly after half-time before Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead with a headed goal in the second half. Tottenham responded late through Richarlison, setting up a tense closing spell despite being reduced in numbers. Spurs saw Xavi Simons sent off in the first half following a VAR review, while captain Cristian Romero later received a second yellow card in stoppage time.
Liverpool had fewer shots overall but were more clinical, scoring with two of their clear chances. Tottenham pushed hard late on, sending crosses into the box and forcing Liverpool to defend deep. Alisson Becker was called into action several times in the final minutes as Spurs tried to rescue a point. After the match, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank focused on the officiating, making it clear he believed the game was decided by errors from the officials. He described the decision to allow Ekitike’s goal as a “huge mistake”.
“That’s unbelievable, it’s a huge mistake,” Frank said to Sky Sports. “I think there’s something about the red you can discuss and the two yellows that you can discuss in a lot of ways, but the second one is a huge mistake.” Frank insisted Ekitike fouled Romero in the build-up. “It’s two hands in the back from Ekitike. I don’t understand how he can’t see it,” he said, referring to referee John Brooks. He also questioned VAR’s role. “But luckily, we have VAR so they will bail you out when you need it – but they didn’t and that was the second mistake.”
Frank also addressed Romero’s dismissal. “I don’t know what happened with the first [yellow], I’ll ask the ref,” he said. On the second, he added: “You understand the feeling in the game of two big boys competing… That’s where you take a good decision.” He was equally unhappy with Simons’ red card. “I don’t like this as a red card,” Frank said. “It’s not reckless, it’s not that it’s coming with exceptional force.” He also questioned the three-match ban. “How can you get three games on something that’s not reckless? That’s absolutely wrong. We probably can’t appeal that.”
From a Liverpool point of view, Arne Slot offered a calmer assessment. “I don’t think he had any intention to do it,” he said of Simons. “But where he touches him from behind, the height… on the calf.” Slot added: “You always rely a little bit on who is the VAR and which decision makes a red card.” Liverpool took all three points. Spurs were left counting decisions.
Read more: Arne Slot comments on Alexander Isak injury
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.