Liverpool were booed at full-time after dropping points to another relegation candidate, with little to cling to as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham at Anfield.
Team News: 5 changes as Rio Ngumoha finally starts
Speaking before kickoff, Arne Slot revealed that Hugo Ekitike carried a knock into the buildup, which led to a first Premier League start for Rio Ngumoha.
Ngumoha was one of five players brought in with the head coach making big calls ahead of the Champions League decider against Galatasaray.
Alisson returned from injury while Jeremie Frimpong, Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo also came in as Giorgi Mamardashvili, Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez and Mo Salah dropped out.
Szoboszlai with another free-kick in predictable first half
Despite the narrative heading into the game Liverpool began as they have more often than not this season, with Tottenham the more aggressive side and the Reds wasting their early chances.
But they went ahead through more magic from Dominik Szoboszlai, who bent a free-kick over the wall and in as Guglielmo Vicario made a poor attempt to keep it out.
That acted as a release of sorts and Liverpool began to dominate while keeping Tottenham away from their box, with all eyes on Ngumoha in his battle up against Pedro Porro.
Vicario redeemed himself to an extent as he tipped Gakpo’s shot – bound for the bottom corner – onto the top post and away as half-time neared.
Despite their efforts Liverpool were unable to add to their lead before the break, but went in firmly in control as they should.
Half-time: Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
Ngumoha’s exit precedes sleepwalk to draw
Liverpool continued to look to their 17-year-old for a spark in a dull start to the second half, with Ngumoha dazzling Porro and going close on more than one occasion.
Alisson needed to be alert at the other end, including a diving save to keep out countryman Richarlison who still managed to get a shot off despite pressure from Virgil van Dijk.
There was a disappointment inside Anfield when Ngumoha came off around the hour mark, with Slot making a triple change as Salah, Ekitike and Curtis Jones replaced the winger along with Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.
Anxiety grew as Tottenham pushed for an equaliser and the home crowd vented their frustration at Gakpo and Salah as poor passes and touches saw counter-attacks break down.
The leveller came in the 90th minute, with Richarlison the most predictable of goalscorers as Liverpool dropped points to another relegation candidate at Anfield.
Slot and his players were met with boos from the home crowd at full-time. Something’s got to give.