As we close in on Liverpool versus Tottenham in the Premier League, there is no denying the importance of this match for both sides.
Spurs are trying to right the ship and getting a huge win over the Reds will go a long way towards giving Ange Postecoglu some job security. The Liverpool perspective sees them wanting to get back on track in the league following some frustrating draws.
In this piece, I am going to examine three reasons why a win for Liverpool is extra crucial both in the short and long-terms.
Let's take a look at three reasons Liverpool needs to beat Tottenham.
3. To regain their Premier League magic
The aforementioned draws against Newcastle and Fulham have been followed by wins in two separate cup competitions.
The Reds beat Girona in the Champions League following the frustration against the Magpies while the disappointment of points dropped against Fulham was followed by Arne Slot's side booking their place in the League Cup semifinals.
Prior to these two matches, every Liverpool league match seemed inevitably on the same path each and every time, and that path was to a Reds win.
Their newfound discipline and belief in Slot saw them closing out games with ruthless efficiency and it did not matter who in the league they were facing at the time.
Some of that Premier League aura has worn off, but a big win over Tottenham will do just nicely to restore them back to capacity again.
2. Heap more pressure on a supposed Top 4 contender
I briefly discussed this earlier, but Postecoglu has seen his job come into question following a run of highly inconsistent results with big wins being contradicted by dumfounding defeats.
There is plenty of talent in this Spurs side, but the way they play, very much on the front foot, makes it hard for them to control the narrative on a week-to-week basis.
If Slot can guide his team to a commanding 2-0, 3-1 kind of scoreline, it will absolutely amplify the calls for change in London. While they may be slightly adrift at this time, they certainly have the bones of a dangerous side already in place.
If Liverpool can contribute to the slowdown of this realization at Spurs, all the better. That ruthless gene has seemingly been imprinted by Slot and his staff so I fully expect us to come out ready to put this one to bed early and to take the crowd out of it right away.
Pushing Tottenham towards the chaos similar to what we've seen at Manchester United can only be a plus from a Liverpool perspective.
1. Their league lead has shrunk considerably
It was only a few weeks ago where there were some outside discussions that Liverpool were well on their way to running away with the 2024/25 Premier League.
They had a comfortable lead over normal contenders Arsenal and Manchester City, with the latter struggling to unseen levels. The Reds were finding ways to get the right results and keep good times rolling.
Then these unexpected back-to-back draws against midtable opposition and the scintillating form of Chelsea has seen the mood change quite a bit.
There is now a real chance the Blues could be top of the table, having played one game more, before Liverpool-Tottenham kicks off.
Dropping points against Spurs will continue the club trending in the wrong direction and the shift to chasing mode is a huge swing. Slot will want a win and to maintain their status at the top as playing from a position of strength suits the Slot style.
Liverpool needs to get back on track and winning in London on Sunday is the first step towards that.