Liverpool got back to winning ways in the Premier League as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1.
Going into the game against Spurs, all of us Kopites just wanted to secure all three points. However, the kind of performance we witnessed is something I never expected. Liverpool was back at their best and a 3-1 win puts them back into the top four in the table.
Jurgen Klopp’s men turned up in a Premier League game for the first time since the 7-0 victory at Selhurst Park. Liverpool was on the front-foot from the get-go and despite all of Tottenham’s defensive solidity, Roberto Firmino broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half-time.
This understandably brought some relief on to Jurgen Klopp’s face, which was evident by reaction as he looked up to the skies. Yet, this relief was short-lived as Joel Matip suffered yet another injury, this time to his ankle. The Cameroonian was forced off the field for the third time this season, owing to injury concerns. Nat Phillips came on to replace him.
In his post-match interview, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Jurgen Klopp spoke of the injury. This has put Liverpool’s decision not to sign a centre-back into the spotlight even further – will they make a move now?
"He said: “It looks like something serious with Joel Matip, it’s an ankle injury.”"
Despite the setback and change in personnel, Liverpool started the second half on an extremely positive note with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s composed finish giving them a two-goal buffer. Just a minute later, though, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg struck a superb long-range attempt to bring Spurs back into the game.
Liverpool looked set to recover from this mishap too. However, Mo Salah’s clean strike in the 55th minute was ruled out by VAR owing to a handball from Roberto Firmino in the build-up play.
Liverpool triumphed over Spurs
Eventually, though, Liverpool got their third goal through a fine finish from Sadio Mane, who was on hand to net in Trent Alexander Arnold’s delightful cross.
The result will massively boost the side’s confidence, and the side will now look to carry their form into a difficult game against West Ham United on Sunday. Before we look forward to that, though, let’s discuss the three defining moments from tonight’s victory.