Liverpool overcame nine-man Tottenham in north London courtesy of second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The match was evenly-poised in the opening period but swung in the visitors’ favour after Tottenham were reduced to 10 men 33 minutes into the encounter when Xavi Simons was dismissed after catching the back of Virgil van Dijk’s leg with his studs.
Isak came off the bench at half-time and opened the scoring 11 minutes after the interval. But he sustained an injury in the process of finding the back of the net and was forced off the pitch again. Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the second period as Ekitike rose well to head the ball into the top corner as the Reds appeared to be cruising. But Richarlison gave Tottenham hope with a goal in the 83rd minute before the home side pushed for an equaliser. Liverpool held firm to claim all three points, however, as Cristian Romero was also dismissed in the dying seconds.
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Liverpool player ratings vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
Alisson - 8
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Had a quiet night for much of the encounter but was ultimately forced into a string of fine saves as Tottenham came forward and caused problems. Always inspires confidence when he starts.
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Conor Bradley - 6
Fired a ball across the box early on but struggled to get into the match. Received medical attention on the pitch during the first-half and was replaced by Isak at the break.
Ibrahima Konate - 5
Looks shaky at times and still fails to convince at the heart of the Reds backline. Was troubled throughout and wasn't given an easy ride, even when Spurs were reduced to nine men.
Virgil van Dijk - 7
Was a threat in the air in the Tottenham box as he looked to get on the end of set-piece deliveries. Would have had a sore leg after being caught by Simons, with the Tottenham man given his marching orders. Stood up well as Spurs attacked at will late on.
Milos Kerkez - 5
Pushed up to support the Liverpool attack but was reluctant to deliver the ball into the box at times and was often wayward with his passes when he did attempt to pick out his team-mates.
Ryan Gravenberch - 7
Continues to be a key players under Arne Slot and dictated play in the centre of the pitch. Was too slow at times in the first-half when Liverpool needed urgency after Tottenham went down to 10 men. Wall called upon more and more to protect the backline as Spurs pushed forward in search of a leveller.
Curtis Jones - 6
Played in midfield but dropped back to form a back five during an intense spell of pressure from the home side in the first-half. Was guilty of playing too many sideways passes but was generally solid throughout.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 7
Has been Liverpool’s best player this season but was quiet in attack in the first-half before moving to right-back after Isak came on. Remained at right-back after Isak was taken off and whipped some decent deliveries into the box.
Alexis Mac Allister - 5
Failed to impress and lacks a cutting edge in the final third. May have suited Liverpool better if he had played further back, with Isak starting in attack with Ekitike. Needs to offer more if he is to keep his place in the Reds team.
Florian Wirtz - 8
Looked dangerous in the final third and had a chance with a header midway through the first-half, before firing another effort at goal soon afterwards. Looked to get behind the Tottenham backline but wasn’t always picked out by Liverpool’s creators. Laid on the assist for Isak’s strike and made a nuisance of himself throughout.
Huge Ekitike - 8
Has been in scintillating form in recent weeks and popped up with another goal for the Reds as he appeared to have put the game to bed in north London. Was isolated up front in the first-half but had more luck after the interval as he showed his qualities once again.
Substitutions
Alexander Isak - 7
Introduced to the action at half-time as Slot attempted to make the most of his side’s numerical advantage. Took just 11 minutes to find the back of the net but was hurt while scoring the goal as he was forced off the pitch.
Jeremie Frimpong - 7
Came on for Isak following the Sweden international’s injury and played in an advanced position. Was himself replaced after also picking up an injury.
Federico Chiesa - 7
Came on for Jeremie Frimpong in stoppage time at the end of the match as Liverpool attempted to cling on to the win.
Trey Nyoni - N/A
Came on with seconds remaining.
Andy Robertson - N/A
Featured for a matter of seconds at the end of the match.