Liverpool secured a stoppage-time winner against Spurs last night.
In a game, where there were plenty of positives, here are the three biggest takeaways which had me buzzing about the Liverpool win.
Curtis Jones is now an integral part of the side
The Scouser has started Liverpool’s last three Premier League games, and last night’s game was arguably his best yet. Jones was the subject of praise from pundits, fans, and even his manager, Jurgen Klopp.
"As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Klopp said, “A good player… pretty good player! When we talk about the kids, we don’t mention him anymore. It’s not fair because he is a kid.“"
The quote signifies how much Jones has matured and become an indispensable part of this Liverpool side. The 19-year-old has always had the attacking flair, however, we’re now seeing that he has learnt the importance of discipline and tracking back as a central midfielder.
The stats say it all. As tweeted by @LFCData, Jones was the busiest player on the field. Completing the most passes on the field, winning 80% of his aerial duels, creating two chances, and making four interceptions aren’t meagre stats for a well-established professional, let alone a “newbie” like Curtis Jones.
Roberto Firmino is a match-winner
Roberto Firmino won Liverpool the game in stoppage-time last night. The Brazilian has always had a knack for scoring important games, and yesterday’s header was no different.
Since his winner against Crystal Palace on 23/11/19, Bobby has scored six match-winners for Liverpool. The forward has received slack for a dip in his form, but when he keeps chipping in with match-winners like this, it’s tough to criticise him.
It wasn’t just his goal though, as Firmino looked like he was back at his best last night. He travelled the most distance out of anyone else on the pitch, as reported by Sky Sports. Furthermore, his link-up play was incredible, and we started to see more and more of his quick flicks and skills. Maybe all he needed was the 2000 fans back at Anfield.
Rhys Williams stepped up yet again
There was worry about Rhys Williams’ inclusion in the starting lineup. The prospect of facing the in-form duo of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son naturally caused Liverpool fans to imagine the worst. However, those worries eased as the game progressed.
The Premier League debutant was composed on the ball, dominant in the air, and wary of the threat Spurs carried on the counter-attack. Williams has appeared in every Champions League game so far and carried his impressive form from those games into last night’s victory.
The 19-year-old won every single aerial duel he contested, as observed by @WhoScored on Twitter. Making the most of his stature was just one of the impressive aspects of his performance as he came up against Harry Kane, arguable the Premier League’s best striker.
This didn’t go unnoticed by Klopp, who raved about Williams, as reported by the Mirror.
"He said, “Oh my god! Outstanding, outstanding. Come on, Rhys Williams, you can imagine, it’s like the modern-day Alan Shearer he played against, Harry Kane.”"
Overall, a brilliant night for Liverpool, one that took them top of the table. Back where they belong.