A look at some of the moments missed from Liverpool's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday
Liverpool moved up to fifth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over a Tottenham Hotspur side who finished the game with nine men on Saturday evening.
After Xavi Simons had been sent off for a rake down the Achilles of Virgil van Dijk after around half an hour, Alexander Isak struck the opener before Hugo Ekitike doubled the advantage in the second period.
Richarlison reduced the deficit before Cristian Romero was also given his marching orders for kicking out on Ibrahima Konate and the Reds held on to secure a sixth game without defeat.
But you knew all of that, of course. What you might have missed, however, were a series of intriguing subplots at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Here, as ever, are the latest moments missed.
No hard feelings for Van Dijk
They might have been opponents on the day but Virgil van Dijk made sure he had a word of encouragement for Netherlands colleague Xavi Simons after the Spurs forward had been sent off.
Simon was dismissed after raking his studs down the Achilles of his compatriot on the day and made a public apology via social media not long after the final whistle in North London.
Simons wrote: "Mistakes happen. Virg is my captain, I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone. To my Spurs teammates, my manager and the fans, I take responsibility, I'm really sorry."
Van Dijk made a quick beeline for Simon after the yellow card was upgraded to red and exchanged a word with his younger Oranje colleague before stopping short of explaining the nature of their chat after the game.
"I don't think there was any intention to hurt me but obviously he hurt me and then the referee and the VAR made the decision to send him off," Van Dijk said. "Yeah I spoke to him. It's a chat that no-one needs to know."
Merry Christmas, Everton
It's that time of year where Liverpool fans like to remind their city rivals of some famous December derbies and while Everton might have been gearing up for their own clash with a side from North London over 200 miles away on Merseyside, Reds supporters indulged themselves in the capital.
"Merry Christmas, Everton" sang the away end in reference to a handful of victories over the Blues around Christmas time in recent years.
From the Sadio Mane winner at Goodison Park, nine years ago this week, to the Divock Origi header that won it at Anfield in 2018 and even the 4-1 shellacking of a Rafa Benitez Everton in 2021, Liverpool fans love reminding all about their festive memories over their local enemies.
Spurs fans in the home ends were likely confused as to why Everton were the object of the ribbing, but Liverpool fans made their own fun in the capital either way before kick-off.
An evening of cheer
With no game now until after Christmas, the Liverpool squad spent Saturday evening at a plush, unnamed venue, enjoying something of a makeshift festive celebration.
Captain Virgil van Dijk was understandably coy when quizzed on the details but the players got together for a meal in the capital after being granted some time off before they reconvene to begin their preparations for the visit from Wolves on December 27.
"We actually have Christmas Day off which is very nice of the staff," Van Dijk said. "I'll make the most of spending the day with my wife and kids. I think [it's the first time I've had Christmas off as a Liverpool player]. It's a nice change. I'll be at home Christmas Eve too. I'm really looking forward to it. "We are having dinner tonight. The staff always have a particular plan for a game. It works well for everyone. It's special to be off on Christmas Day. I don't think it's happened in my Premier League career so far. I'll make the most of being with my family and enjoy it all."
Chiesa on the scene early
Despite being substitute on the night, Federico Chiesa was one of the first on the scene to help a stricken Alexander Isak after the Liverpool striker opened the scoring at Spurs.
After tucking away his third goal for the Reds, Isak was clattered by Micky van de Ven and was forced off with what is hoped is not as serious an injury as it appeared at the time.
As the players circled around Isak before signalling to the bench for help, Chiesa, who was warming up on the touchline, ran on to the pitch, bib on and all, to make sure he was at the side of his colleague to provide whatever assistance he could.
The Italian could be seen helping out alongside the physios as they tended to Isak, who was promptly substituted for Jeremie Frimpong. It's clear to see why Chiesa is so valued around the Liverpool dressing room.