With one win in their past seven league games before Saturday and Thomas Frank under increasing pressure, it was interesting to see the Spurs boss leave top scorer Richarlison on the bench.
The introduction of the Brazilian late on changed the game - and even though Tottenham Hotspur finished with nine men, Liverpool were lucky to hold on. At times in the latter stages, it was hard to tell Tottenham had fewer players on the pitch.
Spurs were certainly not helped by Xavi Simons' first-half moment of madness.
The Dutchman will miss three games and left his side in a mess here, but his team-mates showed plenty of character even after going 2-0 down and can take some confidence from that.
Questions must also be asked of Christian Romero, who was needlessly sent off late on and will miss the trip to Crystal Palace.
Ultimately, though, this was yet another defeat for Tottenham at home.
They have won just two of their nine league games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, with only Wolves (zero) having fewer wins in front of their own fans.
The 11 league games Spurs have lost at home across 2025 is also the most in a calendar year in club history.