Rousing The Kop

Hugo Ekitike continued his brilliant form as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.

Ekitike has been impressing in the last couple of matches and is now firmly seated as the Reds’ top goalscorer.

The Frenchman netted a brace against Brighton last weekend and was once again heavily involved on December 20.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Ekitke made it 2-0 in the 66th minute, his eighth league goal of the season.

But it was something else that Daniel Sturridge was quick to praise the striker for in his post-match analysis.

Daniel Sturridge praises Hugo Ekitike involvement in Alexander Isak’s goal

Fans wanted Isak and Ekitike to play together against Spurs, and got their wish after 45 minutes.

Arne Slot took off Conor Bradley for the Swede, moving Dominik Szoboszlai into the right-back role and Ekitike onto the right wing.

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And while they were not all on the same pitch together for that long, we got a small glimpse of how Liverpool’s most expensive summer signings could work together in the 56th minute.

Capitalising on a poor pass from Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero, Ekitike slipped a lovely ball across to Wirtz, who then assisted Isak for his second Premier League goal of 2025/26.

Now, speaking live as a pundit on Sky Sports right after the fixture, ex-Liverpool man Sturridge has broken down the goal, and was quick to highlight the role of Ekitike.

He said: “For me, it’s this pass here, the weight of it, the direction of it from Ekitike, the run’s fantastic and the finish, wow.

“But you’re thinking here you’ve [Romero], got time on the ball, but it’s a lacklustre pass, and it goes into him [Ekitike].

“But it’s this pass for me that sets them off on their way, the weight of this pass, then it’s a brilliant pass and finish.”

Hugo Ekitike stats vs Tottenham

We are now very nearly at the halfway point of the season, and that brief moment against Spurs showed Liverpool’s summer signings may finally be getting up to speed.

It’s a real shame Isak could now be forced to endure another spell on the sidelines, but the Reds should be able to cope with an in-form Ekitike leading the line.

The striker won three duels against the Lillywhites and found the back of the net once with an xG of 0.86.

He completed 79% of his passes on the day, had 37 touches, and drew one foul from Tottenham.

Jeremie Frimpong had a pretty eventful cameo against Tottenham during Liverpool’s win.

The Reds got over the line against Spurs in pretty chaotic fashion, although they will not mind too much as they got the three points.

One downside is that they picked up a few injuries during the game, although Frimpong’s return will be a slight positive after a long spell out.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

The Dutchman was taken off after coming on, though, due to losing his head after taking a whack to the face, although his small cameo was fairly impressive.

There was another interesting thing about his game too that shows how Slot might plan on using him in the future, and Liverpool fans could see more of this in the coming games.

Jeremie Frimpong played at right wing against Spurs

Frimpong is known to be a very attacking right-back, with some even considering him more as a winger.

It looks like Slot might be thinking the same too as despite having to play Dominik Szoboszlai as a full-back due to Conor Bradley’s injury, he decided to keep him there and play Frimpong as a winger instead.

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This suggests he sees the Dutchman as a lot better going forward, and he is probably correct, with his defensive frailties indicating that he will not be their long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Instead, especially while Mohamed Salah is away, Frimpong could be their option on the wing, especially now that Slot has shown he prefers him going forward.

The 25-year-old did well during his short cameo too after playing a key part in Hugo Ekitike’s goal, with there certainly being good signs heading into the new year.

Fans will be a little annoyed at his reaction after being hit in the face, however, with Slot taking him off shortly after, although focusing on the positive is certainly what they should be looking at instead.

Liverpool need to learn how to see games out

Frimpong was one of many players who lost their head towards the end, with Liverpool almost collapsing yet again.

With the game looking in the bag, sloppy errors almost cost them, just like it did against Leeds not too long ago.

On another day, they would not have come away with three points, with this surely a time where Arne Slot needs to instil better game management.

For now, fans will not mind too much, but if it becomes a recurring theme, then there could be problems.

Hugo Ekitike was Liverpool’s match-winner once again on Saturday after leaping high above Cristian Romero to score against Tottenham.

It was another brilliant moment for the Frenchman, who made it five goals in his last three Premier League appearances.

There was some controversy surrounding the header, with Romero strongly arguing that he was fouled by Ekitike.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Referee John Brooks disagreed, as did the VAR, and Ekitike celebrated his eighth Premier League goal of the season.

The incident appeared to trigger an anger in the already combustible Romero, who was later sent off for a needless kick on Ibrahima Konate. Quizzed about whether he felt his goal should have stood after the game, Liverpool‘s No. 22 argued that he simply dealt with the ball in better than the Spurs captain.

Hugo Ekitike shows no sympathy for Cristian Romero

There will be split opinions on whether Ekitike’s goal should have stood. If you’re a Spurs fan, it was probably a robbery. Liverpool supporters will see it differently.

As for Ekitike himself, he admitted that he had been a little lucky with the goal, but also insisted there was no foul to speak of.

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“It’s part for the game. he is a defender, I’m a striker,” the 23-year-old told BBC Sport.

“I judged the cross better than he did and I took the ball. That is why I scored. That is his opinion, my opinion is that it was a great cross, a lucky header, but I did the right thing.”

Romero clearly felt differently, and this will likely not be the last we’ve heard of this in the coming days.

Phew! Three points, but a really, really poor display. What are your takeaways?

Ekitike shows his relief at full-time

Despite a big win in North London, Liverpool clearly have some serious issues still to contend with.

One of the biggest problems has been a lack of spine within the team when things start going against them.

However, in Ekitike, Liverpool have a player who does stand up to be counted when the going gets tough.

The France international is no soft touch, and showed plenty of character in his celebration both after his goal and on the pitch at full-time.

While some of his teammates looked shellshocked at the final whistle, Ekitike looked overjoyed, celebrating with the Liverpool supporters and lapping in the adulation coming his way. He is some player, and after scoring headers in consecutive games, it is great to see him putting his big frame to good use.

Alexander Isak scored as Liverpool beat Tottenham in the Premier League during the latest gameweek.

It was a poor opening to the game, even when Spurs were forced down to 10 men.

Responding to what was a lacklustre showing from his side, Arne Slot took off Conor Bradley for Alexander Isak at the break.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Fans were unhappy about Isak starting on the bench on Saturday, and their concerns were swiftly justified.

Florian Wirtz assisted the Swede for what was his second Premier League goal this term.

Alexander Isak question after Tottenham

However, right after getting his shot off, Mick van de Ven collided with the striker, and he immediately went down injured, unable to celebrate.

The ex-Newcastle United man has had a tricky start to life at Anfield after missing pre-season and then suffering an injury early in his Reds career.

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Another long-term absence would be a big blow for Isak, who looked sharp during his very brief time on the pitch.

Now, speaking shortly after the match, Slot was asked about the forward, as per the BBC.

However, he was unable to provide any sort of meaningful update. He said: “We’ll have to wait and see. It is too short after the game to speak about it but it is never good when a player[Isak] has to come off.

“I took Frimpong off because I did not want to be with ten men, so that injury is fine. The other two [Isak and Bradley] we’ll have to wait and see. The good thing is that we have a week to go so hopefully we have enough players available to play next week again.”

Liverpool attacking options vs Wolves depleted

Liverpool are now back in action on December 27, taking on a struggling Wolves team.

Isak could well miss the game, while we already know Salah is away at the AFCON.

Elsewhere, Szoboszlai will be absent from the fixture after picking up another yellow card against Spurs.

Cody Gakpo is injured as well, leaving Ekitike and Wirtz as the only available regular starters.

Federico Chiesa may finally get a chance in turn, though Jeremie Frimpong, who came on in the right-wing role on Saturday, could be an option.

Liverpool served up some truly turgid football despite beating Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

The Reds headed to North London in better form having managed to go unbeaten in four Premier League matches.

But if supporters thought this might mean Liverpool playing with some confidence against Spurs, they were in for a disappointing surprise.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Arne Slot chose to go a little more defensive than many would have liked to see, deciding to leave Alexander Isak out and play with a packed midfield instead.

This led to an uninspiring and one-paced first-half, with Liverpool ultimately extending an awful goal-scoring record which will do nothing to get fans on Slot’s side in the long run.

Liverpool continue slow Premier League starts

There have been so many problems at Liverpool this season, and it may feel wrong to point another one out after a decent win away at Tottenham.

But the truth is that after another dismal first 45 minutes, Liverpool are now without a goal in four of their past five Premier League first-halves.

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When the Reds hit poor patches of form under Jurgen Klopp, they could at least count on the football being enjoyable to watch.

There is still some of that under Slot, but far too often things have been ponderous.

The Dutch coach has so much credit in the bank at Anfield after winning the Premier League last year. As a result, many have forgiven him the team’s bad form this term.

But if they continue to start matches slowly, fans’ patience will become severely tested. Wins of course help, and Liverpool have been better in second periods, but this cannot continue.

Phew! Three points, but a really, really poor display. What are your takeaways?

Liverpool must remember who they are

While it is clearly much better to be reflecting on this disappointing statistic on the back of a big three points on the road, it should not stop the microscope being pulled out on Liverpool and Slot.

After such a punishing season, it is completely fine that the Reds’ boss wants to set his team up with a much more solid base. That was missing in the early parts of the campaign.

However, that does not have to come at the expense of Liverpool playing their football. The Reds have to remember that they are champions after all. They have nothing to fear.

There were plenty of chances to move the ball quickly and really get at a fragile Tottenham while Saturday’s match was 11vs11. Time after time they chose the easy option.

At no point until Xavi Simons’ silly sending off did Liverpool look like scoring. Had that continued into the second-half, supporters may have started to get on Slot’s back just a little. As it happened, the Reds’ chief may need to send his countryman a Christmas card when he gets home to Merseyside.

Liverpool were looking to continue their upturn in form when they clashed with Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The Reds beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 in their last Premier League outing, which left them just two points outside the top four going into this gameweek.

Spurs may be struggling, having won just one in five, but Liverpool were unbeaten in five before December 20.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Ahead of the fixture, the Merseyside outfit were boosted by the return of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has recovered quickly following an issue picked up against Brighton.

It was a strong eleven from Arne Slot, but Liverpool started the tie poorly and lacked intensity.

Yet, they were helped out by a rash decision from Xavi Simons shortly after the half-hour mark that got the Dutchman sent off following a VAR review.

Liverpool eventually took the lead in the 56th minute when Florian Wirtz slipped in Alexander Isak, who scored his seventh career goal vs Spurs.

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Hugo Ekitike then added his fifth goal in three matches before Richarlsion scored a late goal from the bench to make it a nervy end to the tie.

Florian Wirtz’s impact on Alexander Isak

Liverpool have changed formations in recent weeks, and to Slot’s credit, it has been working very well.

However, one man who hasn’t set the world alight even after the Reds’ resurgence has been Alexander Isak.

Isak is struggling for form, and Hugo Ekitike has now stepped up to become the main man through the middle.

On the left, meanwhile, Slot recently said that Florian Wirtz is getting better and better with each passing week, which is bad news for Isak.

A report from Germany claimed earlier this month that Mohamed Salah was left in a rage by Wirtz leading the attack at Anfield. Let’s hope he doesn’t have the same impact on Isak, given he’s currently the man keeping him out of the eleven.

His goal off the bench should do his confidence a world of good, and Wirtz’s link-up proved Slot is right about him.

But again, how do they all fit into the same team when Mohamed Salah is fit?

The problem with Cody Gakpo’s return

Similarly, Isak, Ekitike and more could struggle to start regularly once Cody Gakpo is back from injury.

The Dutchman is a favourite of Slot’s despite Gakpo’s playstyle being predictable and often leading to attacks easily being shut down.

Wirtz’s recent upturn should mean that the former PSV man has a slightly reduced role in the coming months.

However, it’s become clear that if Gakpo comes straight back into the eleven when fit, it will upset the balance of the team, especially on the left-hand side.

Conor Bradley substitution was harsh

There is no denying Liverpool were poor in the first half, even after gaining a man advantage.

So, Slot making a change at half-time to add some extra firepower was a wise move.

However, taking off Bradley seemed a bit harsh, given that he was probably the most active player during the first half.

Granted, that’s not saying much, but he made some crucial blocks to stop Spurs countering and was lively when he got into the final third.

What this game did highlight, though, was that Slot is still a long way off knowing exactly how he’s supposed to fit all his superstar names into the same team.

The Premier League’s 5:30pm kick-off saw Liverpool and Tottenham clash in North London on Saturday evening.

Liverpool made one change against Tottenham, seeing the injured Joe Gomez replaced by Conor Bradley.

It was a drab start to the match from the Reds, and Arne Slot’s decision not to start Alexander Isak did not go down well with supporters.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Some much-needed life was injected into the game when Spurs midfielder Xavi Simons was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

However, Liverpool still went in level at the break, with it clear that something needed to change.

Liverpool fans react to Florian Wirtz assist

On that front, Isak was brought on, seeing Conor Bradley make way, and Szoboszlai dropped into the right-back position.

It was a change that paid off as the Swede scored his second league goal of the season, being set up by Florian Wirtz.

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The German has been improving in the last few matches, and fans have now taken to social media to praise his display on Saturday.

One fan wrote: “Wirtz magnificent basically Firmino recanted.”

“Brilliant pass and vision from Wirtz, that,” added another.

A third highlighted his growing influence: “Wirtz is having a growing influence off this left side and he slides the pass in for Isak. That is Isak in a nutshell, little run down the side of the centre-back and a brilliant finish.”

“Two sensational footballers coming together there, Wirtz and Isak. Brilliant goal for the Champions,” a fourth wrote.

Another fan added: Wirtz is undoubtedly class, just needs to up his numbers. On the eye, you can’t complain.”

A sixth rather boldly claimed: “Wirtz assist. World class.”

The German has continued to grow into this Liverpool side, with Arne Slot stating last week that Wirtz is getting better and better.

But it does beg one question: how does the Liverpool boss fit all his frontline into the same team now?

If Isak is out for a prolonged period, it won’t be an issue until Mohamed Salah is back from the AFCON in early 2026.

But when all his forwards are fit, Slot must find a way to start Ekitike, Wirtz, Salah and Isak without hampering his midfield and backline.

A tricky challenge and one we have yet to see the manager find a solution to this season.

Liverpool suffered a very late scare but managed to get over the line against Tottenham.

The Reds put in a much-improved second half performance against Spurs that meant it looked like they were going to come away with a comfortable three points.

Richarlison’s introduction changed that, though, and he made it a tense ending, although Liverpool just about got over the line.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Goals from Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak helped get the job done, although the latter was taken off with yet another injury. Here are how the players rated.

Defence

Alisson Becker: 7 – Was on his toes to deny Spurs twice in the first half, even if it was only just. Didn’t have too much to do in the second half bar a few comfortable-enough saves and couldn’t do a lot about the goal.

Conor Bradley: 5 – Took his time to get into the game but slowly got there. Picked up an injury late in the first half and came off at half time, though. The right-back issue persists.

Ibrahima Konate: 7 – Misjudged a header that almost led to a Spurs goal, but was fairly comfortable other than that and was hardly troubled.

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Virgil van Dijk: 6 – Was on the receiving end of Simons’ poor tackle that led to a red card. Was comfortable until the latter stages, with the Dutchman failing to clear the ball that led to Richarlison’s goal.

Milos Kerkez: 6 – Played fairly high up the pitch but did not threaten too much with his deliveries. Was comfortable at the back, though, and certainly looks like he has settled.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch: 6 – Created a few chances and worked hard, but was a little bit slow on the ball at times. In his defence, the entire midfield felt a little short of energy.

Alexis Mac Allister: 6 – Was the furthest forward of the midfielders but was probably the least impactful. Still worked hard and the balance of the midfield felt good, especially second half.

Curtis Jones: 6 – Got on the ball as much as he could, like he always does, but could not make too much of an impact. Still was silky at times and has definitely been a good addition to the midfield.

Phew! Three points, but a really, really poor display. What are your takeaways?

Attack

Dominik Szoboszlai: 6 – Played in Salah’s position in the first half and helped with the balance of the side, but moved back to right-back due to Bradley’s injury. Far less impactful from there, although did a selfless job for his teammates.

Hugo Ekitike: 8 – Worked hard and got in behind a few times in the first half, but lacked support and was isolated at times. Played alongside Isak in the second half but they could not find an understanding, but took his goal really well with a clinical header.

Florian Wirtz: 7 – Showed a few flashes of brilliance and tried his best to speed the game up where he could. Assisted Isak for his goal too with a perfectly-weighted pass from the left, with the German starting to find his feet in the Premier League.

Substitutes

Alexander Isak: 6 – Came on at half time and scored the opener, and just his second league goal of the season, in less than 15 minutes with a clinical finish. However, he picked up an injury mid-shot, which meant he had to be taken off. Nightmare for the Swede.

Jeremie Frimpong: 6 – Brought a lot of pace to the right and played as a winger, but could tell he had spent a little while out as a few of his touches were poor. Played a big part in Liverpool’s second, though so there are some promising signs.

Federico Chiesa: N/A

Andy Robertson: N/A

Liverpool appear to be getting back on track, but their game against Spurs will be a very telling sign.

The Reds are unbeaten in their last five games, with this run of form relieving a little bit of pressure on Arne Slot.

What changes would you make to Liverpool’s XI vs Tottenham?

However, the Dutchman needs to keep this momentum going heading into the new year, with Tottenham away being a game that many will think they can win.

Gary Neville believes Liverpool stand a good chance too given that Slot has got something ‘absolutely right,’ but as a matter of fact, we think he has actually got it very wrong.

Arne Slot should have played Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak up front together

Both teams have started the game very negatively, as if looking like both do not want to lose the match rather than going all out to win it.

Liverpool have certainly sat back more than previous weeks, which is a surprise given the attacking talent they have added over the summer.

With Mohamed Salah away, many may have thought Slot would start Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak together, but he has not, something Neville thinks is the right decision.

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“With Salah at AFCON you may think of putting Isak and Ekitike out there together, but Slot is absolutely right to try to shore up that midfield,” he said on Sky Sports.

Although the midfield is very compact, the Reds have offered nothing in attack, suggesting that they may have shot themselves in the foot by playing too negatively.

Tottenham have shown frailties at the back this season too, something Isak and Ekitike could have exploited together, but Slot opted for a different approach.

Liverpool are not building upon recent performances

Liverpool had been starting games too slowly, but that looked to have changed in recent weeks, and to great effect too.

But against Spurs, it has been another slow start with a lack of energy, which is why the home side have had the better chances.

Slot needs to demand more intensity and energy, just like Jurgen Klopp used to do, with this likely enough on its own to cause real problems in the final third.

Getting Isak on alongside Ekitike looks like it should be his first move too, if not, they could find themselves leaving North London with nothing.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur went head-to-head in a Premier League meeting on December 20.

Arne Slot had to make some changes to his squad on the day, in part due to Mohamed Salah’s absence and injury issues.

Dominik Szoboszlai recovered from his injury, picked up in the previous gameweek, and was once again selected in the eleven.

What changes would you make to Liverpool’s XI vs Tottenham?

However, Joe Gomez missed out with a problem, seeing Conor Bradley start at right-back and the returning Jeremie Frimpong deputise from the bench.

Elsewhere, Alexander Isak did not have a place in the eleven for the second game in a row, with Florian Wirtz chosen in his stead.

Liverpool fans unhappy with no Alexander Isak vs Tottenham

Liverpool started the tie with little intensity, inviting a Spurs team who are devoid of confidence to get at them.

After a timid opening, fans took to social media to question why Isak and Hugo Ekitike do not start together.

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One fan wrote: “If Klopp were still our manager, he would likely have started Ekitike, Isak, and Wirtz. That’s what an elite manager does—trusts quality and plays it. But we’re sticking with Slot now, so let’s hope he truly turns Liverpool’s fortunes around.”

A second added: “It surprises me that Slot doesn’t use Isak and Ekitike together.”

“Slot don’t know how to use him, so he’s playing Ekitike instead, but Ekitike deserves his place in the team. Another manager would get the best out of Isak,” a third stated.

Another suggested: “Isak isn’t the player you should be keeping on the bench all the time.. Slot should find a way to play both Ekitike and Isak.”

“No Salah and still won’t play Isak and Ekitike together,” tweeted a fifth.

A sixth wrote: “Slot had the chance to put an exciting formation consisting of Isak and Ekitike. But no, Slot is isolating Ekitike, and we have 6 defenders.”

It’s easy to see why some supporters are unhappy with the most expensive signing in British history being left on the bench for a second game in a row.

But Liverpool are in a difficult moment right now, which requires them to continue picking up results to try and save what has been a poor season so far.

Unfortunately, that means Slot is going to start what he thinks, and has seen, as Liverpool’s best forward line.

Isak started alongside Ekitike against Inter Milan, and though the Reds won, fans were concerned about the striker.

It’s also worth pointing out that in that game, Liverpool looked much better when Wirtz replaced the ex-Newcastle United man.

What won’t help Slot’s case in fans’ eyes, however, is if Liverpool’s attack continues to look so limp, as it did for much of the first half against Tottenham.

Granted, Isak may still need some time to build match fitness, but it’s nearly 2026, and the Swede should, even after his injury, really be close to 100% right now.