Forwards Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were on the scoresheet, but injuries, suspension and another fraught finale made it far from plain sailing.
One change as Bradley returns
Arne Slot made just one change to the Reds’ lineup that started last week vs. Brighton, with Conor Bradley replacing the injured Joe Gomez at right back.
Alexander Isak remained on what was an increasingly weak-looking subs bench. The Swede, though, would be introduced at half time.
Jeremie Frimpong returned to the squad after six weeks out.
Simons sent off in dull first half
It was a dull opening 45, with the main talking point being Xavi Simons’ red card for a foul on Virgil van Dijk just after the half hour.
The Reds had a host of corners but failed to make anything from – hardly a surprise from the team with the second-least goals from corners in the league so far this season.
It was 0-0 at the break, marking the 11th time in 17 league games Liverpool have failed to score in the first half this season.
Half time: Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool
Isak on, scores and injured
With a man advantage and Conor Bradley suffering another injury just before half time, Alexander Isak replaced the Northern Irishman with Dominik Szoboszlai dropping into right back.
It was a slow start to the half but after 10 minutes it was the two £100 million men who combined for the opening goal.
The increasingly influential Florian Wirtz slid in Isak and he finished clinically for his second league goal for the club.
In scoring, Isak was clattered by Micky van de Ven and subsequently had to be replaced by the returning Frimpong – the Dutchman operating on the right wing with Szoboszlai still at full back.
It was Frimpong who then assisted, via a deflection, for Ekitike to net his fifth goal in three games when he impressively headed home ten minutes later.
That second goal was needed, with Spurs having just hit the bar at the other end via a deflected shot.
A frantic finale as Reds struggle to hold on
But still, it should have been more comfortable than Liverpool made it – conceding in the 83rd minute when sub Richarlison finished after some messy defending.
The Brazilian then almost had a chance for a second soon after as Liverpool’s fragility once again came to the fore.
Szoboszlai picked up his fifth booking of the season, meaning he’s suspended vs. Wolves next week.
Frimpong got a cut on his lip from Richarlison and was replaced after losing his head. Nine minutes were added on as Liverpool looked shaky.
The frantic finale was added to by Cristian Romero then being dismissed for his second yellow card, putting Spurs down to nine men. Liverpool, though, continued to look a complete mess and struggled despite the two-man advantage.
Victory, but an already thin squad now looks set to be without Szoboszlai (suspended), Isak and Bradley (injured) for the next match.
Remarkably, the win marks six games unbeaten (all comps) and actually pushes the Reds up to fifth, level on points with fourth-place Chelsea.