BBC

Tottenham Hotspur's hierarchy have finally addressed the mistake they made with the outlandish appointment of Igor Tudor as interim head coach – but the stakes are now so high they cannot afford another.

Tudor's departure after only 44 days concludes a bizarre and potentially hugely expensive episode that leaves fingers pointing firmly in the direction of chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.

If Venkatesham and Lange get the next big decision wrong it could conceivably end with Spurs in the Championship, leaving a scar on their record that would be impossible to recover from.

If there is merit in the argument that it is better to correct a mistake as quickly as possible, the counter argument is that appointing Tudor was a mistake that should never have been made in the first place.

Time will tell, but Tudor's spell in charge may yet end up as the 44 days that sealed Spurs' Premier League fate.

Tottenham fans, who carefully note Venkatesham's links to Arsenal from his previous job, will be waiting to see what he can pull off now. The ominous spectre of relegation is even more of a possibility after Tudor's seven games in charge, which brought one pyrrhic victory, while exiting the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, and none in the Premier League.

Venkatesham and Lange will know the stakes as Spurs stand one point and one place above the relegation spots, the end coming for Tudor after the humiliating 3-0 home defeat by fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

They were behind the decision to bring in Tudor, the combustible Croatian with a chequered coaching career and no Premier League experience, to succeed the sacked Thomas Frank.

Having delayed dismissing Frank, seemingly hoping for a revival that was never coming and a change in the toxic mood among fans that was too far gone to be rescued, turning to Tudor was left-field at best.

There seemed little logic in Tudor taking over, even for an interim period, and will certainly have brought Venkatesham and Lange into the crosshairs of the Lewis family, who own the club and have entrusted them with taking Spurs into a brighter future.

One source close to Spurs suggested Tudor was a leaving gift suggestion from former sporting director Fabio Paratici. If it was, it was one they must now regret accepting.

There must be a measure of sympathy for Tudor, who also had to deal with the death of his father after being parachuted into a role he was clearly unsuited for, while taking over a squad ravaged by injuries and a complete loss of confidence.

Sympathy will be in shorter supply for Venkatesham and Lange.

Tudor's arrival raised eyebrows all round, with his unique selling point supposedly his status as an impact coach with a capacity for getting quick results.

This was soon proved to be a myth as he lost his first four games, the low point - even considering the opening 4-1 defeat by Arsenal - coming in the 5-2 embarrassment away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg.

Tudor dropped first-choice keeper Guglielmo Vicario for young Czech Antonin Kinsky, only to take him off after just 17 minutes following two mistakes that handed Atletico a 3-0 lead.

He was then criticised for ignoring Kinsky as he went off, comfort left to team-mates on the pitch, then Conor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke, who followed him down the tunnel.

It was an example of what appeared to be Tudor's 'tough love' approach, as opposed to Frank's warmer and more empathetic style, leaving the Spurs squad looking even more dispirited than when he arrived.

Tudor was considered fortunate in many eyes to survive that, although a deserved draw at Liverpool and that second leg win against Atletico offered hope until the capitulation against Forest.

As his departure is digested, it can be reasonably asked what Venkatesham and Lange detected in his previous track record, other than some fast starts, that made them believe he was the right man to navigate Spurs out of trouble.

Spurs was Tudor's 11th club as a coach after starting his career at Hajduk Split in Croatia in 2013.

Tudor's belief in a three-man defensive system looked an ill-fit for Tottenham, while constant changes in tactics and personnel suggested even he did not know how to get the best of the flatlining squad he had inherited.

For Spurs to now be searching for a third coach this season does not just smack of growing panic, it also reflects poorly on the decisions they have made at the top of the club that has put them in this situation.

The ideal solution would be to persuade Roberto de Zerbi, their main choice to take over on a permanent basis, to take the job now – but would it appeal to the highly-rated Italian with the knowledge if he cannot inspire an instant turnaround he could end up in charge of a Championship club?

Igor Tudor was a left-field gamble that went wrong from the start.

His unique selling point, in an appointment that smacked of panic from Tottenham's hierarchy, was that he had a chequered coaching career but a record of having the sort of instant impact the club required.

This never materialised. He became the first man in charge of Spurs to lose his first four matches, starting with that heavy 4-1 home defeat by Arsenal.

Tudor's brusque, plain speaking style got no more out of the Spurs squad than Thomas Frank's more empathetic approach. It never made any connection with the Spurs players, while a welter of tactical shifts hinted that he was struggling to work out how to get the best out of the shambles he had inherited.

The low point came in the Champions League last 16 first leg at Atletico Madrid when he gambled on selecting Antonin Kinsky in goal ahead of first-choice Guglielmo Vicario, only to remove the young Czech after just 17 minutes following two catastrophic errors that left Spurs 3-0 down in an eventual 5-2 defeat.

Tudor was also criticised for the manner in which he ignored Kinsky when he went off, comfort being left to his colleagues on the pitch, as well as Conor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke, who followed him down the tunnel to console him.

Improvement could be detected in the deserved draw at Liverpool before an honourable win in the Champions League exit to Atletico – but normal dismal service was resumed in last Sunday's highly damaging 3-0 home defeat by fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

In Tudor's defence, he took over a shell-shocked and struggling squad decimated by injuries and stripped of confidence. There is no guarantee anyone else would have done markedly better.

In this emergency situation, Spurs had to act, but the whole episode reflects more badly on those at the top of the club than it does on Tudor.

We asked for your views on Igor Tudor leaving Tottenham after just 44 days in charge.

Here are some of your comments:

George: I'm relieved, frankly. I was optimistic to begin with because of his saviour pedigree on the continent, but the Premier League is an entirely different beast. Please get Harry Redknapp in - nobody else available makes as much sense to me.

Steve: We now need stability and confidence. We need a Spurs man. Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood. Maybe Ryan Mason and Ledley King too. Harry will bring confidence, the other three belief and tactical nouse. One last roll of the dice for the Spurs board - don't mess it up!

Clare: We should never have gone with Tudor and took too long to sack Thomas Frank (should never have sacked Ange Postecoglous either). They have to get this right. At this point in time they need to get the players on board to find out who they're actually going to listen to. Maybe Ryan Mason? He's done it twice already but I'd hate for it to go wrong for him.

Derek: Might as well go for Ben Davies. He's been at the club longer than anyone and seen a lot of managers come and go. Then get Kieran McKenna after relegation as he knows the Championship well.

Leslie: Wishing Tudor the very best after his sad loss. However, he was never right for the job. We need to win three of our last seven games. I would like to see Glenn Hoddle and Ryan Mason take over as both are Spurs through and through.

John: Tim Sherwood would get us out of trouble and I still feel he is the man we need.

Pete: A gamble that hasn't paid off when we should have been looking at a manager with a proven track record. The players need to be held accountable for the position we find ourselves in. It's all very well blaming our injuries, but we still should have enough to be a lot further up the table than we are. Whoever comes in now needs to identify a leader and build the squad around them.

Philip: It makes no difference who the next head coach is unless and until something fundamental changes with the overall management of the club. Who is planning and strategising now for next season in the Championship or to improve significantly on 17th in the Premier League, and how will this be achieved? A quick-fix managerial appointment now or in the close season, or worse still, after the World Cup finishes will not address all the fundamental issues of rottenness in the management of this once great and proud club.

Before being appointed by Tottenham, Igor Tudor had been out of work since being sacked by Juventus in October following an eight-match winless run.

He leaves Spurs as one of only six managers to take charge of at least five Premier League games and fail to record a win.

Among the reasons given for Tudor's appointment was to introduce more attacking football, following criticism of their style of play under Thomas Frank.

Spurs did average slightly more shots per game under Tudor (11.6) than Frank (11.1), but they regressed in other metrics, including goals scored (0.8, down from 1.4), expected goals (xG) (1.0, down from 1.1) and touches in the opposition box (21.0, down from 24.3).

Tudor's Tottenham had the third lowest xG across Premier League teams during his tenure - and only three teams managed fewer big chances.

Defensively, they faced the fifth most shots, fourth most shots on target and conceded the second most xG.

Here is Tottenham's full statement confirming the departure of Igor Tudor after just 44 days.

"We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for head coach Igor Tudor to leave the club with immediate effect.

"Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of goalkeeping coach and physical coach.

"We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.

"An update on a new head coach will be provided in due course."

What's your immediate reaction to the news? And who do you want to be in charge next?

Should Spurs make big move now?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Mauricio Pochettino would top a fan poll as the permanent successor to Thomas Frank – the Argentine still a much-loved figure after taking Spurs to the 2019 Champions League Final.

There is every indication he would jump at a return to north London after he was sacked by former chairman Daniel Levy only five months after losing to Liverpool in Madrid.

Spurs fans pin the blame on Levy for failing to back the coach and many would welcome Pochettino back with open arms.

Any notion of a Pochettino return, however, must wait until after the World Cup, as he is entrusted with coaching the United States at a home showpiece.

If Spurs are to seek an immediate full-time appointment, this leaves Roberto de Zerbi as frontrunner. The talented but combustible Italian established a fine reputation at Brighton and is available having left Marseille by mutual consent in February.

De Zerbi is also believed to be amenable to the idea.

The question is whether he would want to take the job immediately, with that prospect of relegation hanging over Spurs, or would be prefer to wait until the end of the season to see what division they are in?

If Spurs are in the Premier League they would be hugely attractive proposition to De Zerbi, but he may well have other options in the summer having been heavily linked with Manchester United.

De Zerbi may prefer to bide his time and sit tight as opposed to taking on a salvage operation.

Send for former Spurs firefighter?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Who can realistically step in for what is now a firefighting job?

Former manager Harry Redknapp has indicated his willingness to return, but is now 79 and has not worked in management since being sacked by Birmingham City in May 2017. He was sacked by Spurs 14 years ago and calling for him would surely smack of desperation.

Redknapp has said Spurs "know where I am." It would be a sign of their plight should they go to find him.

Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle has also suggested he would be interested, but once again this would be a dip into the distant past.

Hoddle, now a respected television pundit, is 68, but was sacked as Spurs manager in September 2003. The last post the former England manager occupied was with Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving in July 2006.

Ryan Mason, sacked by West Bromwich Albion in January, is a well-respected and popular figure having twice served as Spurs' caretaker manager following the sackings of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, but his reputation took a hit during an unrewarding spell at The Hawthorns.

After that disappointment, would Spurs turn to him? Would he even want to walk into such an ominous situation?

Tim Sherwood, the former player who left Spurs in May 2014 after a six-month spell as permanent head coach, has made it clear he fancies the job, saying: "I would keep them in the Premier League. I believe that someone with common sense keeps them in the Premier League."

Robbie Keane, currently at Ferencvaros in Hungary, falls into the category of the younger up-and-coming manager, but would the former Spurs captain leave a full-time job for a new post that might only extend to seven games.

One Premier League point & out of the Champions League

Igor Tudor lost each of his first four matches as Spurs boss. The opening defeat by north London rivals Arsenal was followed by losses against Fulham and Crystal Palace in the league before a calamitous 5-2 Champions League last 16 first-leg defeat away to Atletico Madrid.

He celebrated his first point after Richarlison scored a 90th-minute equaliser at Liverpool, and then watched his side win their second leg against Atletico - although they failed to overturn their three-goal deficit.

However, the woeful defeat by Forest heightened Spurs' fears of suffering their first relegation from the top flight since 1977 and proved to be the final game of his brief spell.

The single point which Spurs have collected since Tudor's appointment is the fewest of any side in the Premier League during that time.

But they have been bottom of the form table since mid-December.

Up Next. How are Tudor's tactics hurting Spurs? Video, 00:02:09How are Tudor's tactics hurting Spurs?

Maybe Verstappen needs a break from F1? - Hill. Video, 00:01:48Maybe Verstappen needs a break from F1? - Hill

'Antonelli had the luck, but sometimes you need it' Video, 00:01:33'Antonelli had the luck, but sometimes you need it'

Kerr ready to attempt world mile record this year. Video, 00:02:12Kerr ready to attempt world mile record this year

'AI means you can play the game a million times before kick-off' Video, 00:11:23'AI means you can play the game a million times before kick-off'

Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football. Video, 00:08:15Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football

Liverpool must find someone to hit Salah numbers - Warnock. Video, 00:02:03Liverpool must find someone to hit Salah numbers - Warnock

'The referee got it wrong' - Pundits disagree on Amad penalty claim. Video, 00:01:24'The referee got it wrong' - Pundits disagree on Amad penalty claim

I could play a few more years - Milner. Video, 00:02:00I could play a few more years - Milner

Igor Tudor has left his role as Tottenham Hotspur interim head coach after just 44 days and seven matches.

Spurs said they have "mutually agreed" with the Croat to part ways with "immediate effect".

The decision comes a week after a damaging 3-0 home defeat by fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on 22 March - a result that left Spurs 17th in the table and only one point above the relegation places with seven games remaining.

Tottenham have suffered five defeats in seven matches in all competitions since Tudor succeeded the sacked Thomas Frank on 14 February, on a deal until the end of the season.

Spurs said: "An update on a new head coach will be provided in due course."

BBC Sport understands Spurs will appoint Tudor's replacement in the next few days to be in place for when most players return from international duty.

Tudor's assistant Bruno Saltor will oversee training for those at the club.

They confirmed goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci have also departed.

Tudor, 47, did not undertake post-match media duties after the defeat by Forest because of the death of his father.

"We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly," said Spurs in a statement.

"We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time."

Tudor lost each of his first four matches as Spurs boss. The opening defeat by north London rivals Arsenal was followed by losses against Fulham and Crystal Palace in the league before a calamitous 5-2 Champions League last 16 first-leg defeat away to Atletico Madrid.

He celebrated his first point after Richarlison scored a 90th-minute equaliser at Liverpool, and then watched his side win their second leg against Atletico - although they failed to overturn their three-goal deficit.

However, the woeful defeat by Forest heightened Spurs' fears of suffering their first relegation from the top flight since 1977 and proved to be the final game of his brief spell.

The single point which Spurs have collected since Tudor's appointment is the fewest of any side in the Premier League during that time.

But they have been bottom of the form table since mid-December.

They are without a victory in 13 league matches since a 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace on 28 December - 88 days ago - while their last win in any competition was over Eintracht Frankfurt on 28 January.

Among their issues this season has been an extensive list of long-term injuries to key players, including the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Tottenham will resume their league campaign after the international break with a trip to 11th-placed Sunderland on 12 April.

They then face Brighton (home), Wolves (away), Aston Villa (away), Leeds (home), Chelsea (away) and Everton (home) as they seek to secure their Premier League status.

Tudor had been out of work since being sacked by Juventus in October 2025, following an eight-match winless run.

He departs Tottenham as one of only six managers to take charge of at least five Premier League games and fail to record a win.

Among the reasons given for Tudor's appointment was to introduce more attacking football, following criticism of their style of play under Frank.

Spurs did average slightly more shots per game under Tudor (11.6) than Frank (11.1), but they regressed in other metrics including goals scored (0.8, down from 1.4), expected goals (1.0, down from 1.1), and touches in the opposition box (21.0, down from 24.3).

Tudor's Tottenham had the third lowest xG across Premier League teams during his tenure - and only three teams managed fewer big chances.

Defensively, they faced the fifth most shots, fourth most shots on target and conceded the second most xG.

Only Burnley and Newcastle faced more big chances (17) than Spurs (16), while only Burnley (167) allowed more touches in their own box (161).

Tudor was a left-field gamble that went wrong from the start.

His unique selling point, in an appointment that smacked of panic from Tottenham's hierarchy, was that he had a chequered coaching career but a record of having the sort of instant impact the club required.

This never materialised. He became the first man in charge of Spurs to lose his first four matches, starting with that heavy 4-1 home defeat by Arsenal.

Tudor's brusque, plain speaking style got no more out of the Spurs squad than Frank's more empathetic approach. It never made any connection with the Spurs players, while a welter of tactical shifts hinted that he was struggling to work out how to get the best out of the shambles he had inherited.

The low point came in the Champions League last 16 first leg at Atletico Madrid where he gambled on selecting Antonin Kinsky in goal ahead of first-choice Guglielmo Vicario, only to remove the young Czech after just 17 minutes following two catastrophic errors that left Spurs 3-0 down in an eventual 5-2 defeat.

Tudor was also criticised for the manner in which he ignored Kinsky when he went off, comfort being left to his colleagues on the pitch, as well as Conor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke, who followed him down the tunnel to console him.

Improvement could be detected in the deserved draw at Liverpool before an honourable win in the Champions League exit to Atletico – but normal dismal service was resumed in last Sunday's highly-damaging 3-0 home defeat by fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

In Tudor's defence, he took over a shell-shocked and struggling squad decimated by injuries and stripped of confidence. There is no guarantee anyone else would have done markedly better.

In this emergency situation, Spurs had to act, but the whole episode reflects more badly on those at the top of the club than it does on Tudor.

Up Next. 'It hurts me deep' - Cuthbert on Chelsea's form. Video, 00:02:27'It hurts me deep' - Cuthbert on Chelsea's form

Maybe Verstappen needs a break from F1? - Hill. Video, 00:01:48Maybe Verstappen needs a break from F1? - Hill

'Antonelli had the luck, but sometimes you need it' Video, 00:01:33'Antonelli had the luck, but sometimes you need it'

Kerr ready to attempt world mile record this year. Video, 00:02:12Kerr ready to attempt world mile record this year

'AI means you can play the game a million times before kick-off' Video, 00:11:23'AI means you can play the game a million times before kick-off'

Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football. Video, 00:08:15Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football

Liverpool must find someone to hit Salah numbers - Warnock. Video, 00:02:03Liverpool must find someone to hit Salah numbers - Warnock

'The referee got it wrong' - Pundits disagree on Amad penalty claim. Video, 00:01:24'The referee got it wrong' - Pundits disagree on Amad penalty claim

I could play a few more years - Milner. Video, 00:02:00I could play a few more years - Milner

'The angle was tight but it was top-class'

Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham

Helen Ward

Former Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I tell you what, that is some finish from Alessia Russo!

The angle was tight. She did ever so well to get around the goalkeeper. I thought she might've taken it a little too wide but it was absolutely top-class.

Tottenham are playing this much more expansive style of football, but once their press is broken they are getting in all sorts of trouble.

'Both teams will be bang up for it'

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Helen Ward

Former Wales striker on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It is going to take a lot for Tottenham to break Arsenal's winning run.

Tottenham have had a good season themselves though. They have sort of slowed down a little bit in recent weeks, but this is a north London derby. It is an exciting fixture and probably one both teams looked for first at the start of the season.

Both teams will be bang up for it here. You have to say Arsenal are in flying form but Tottenham will want to cause an upset.

'We can only focus on ourselves'

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Arsenal

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm looking forward to this very much. It's a special game for us and for the fans. There's a lot of fans coming today and the sun is out, so it's going to be a special moment at the Emirates. We are ready to go.

"We can only focus on ourselves [when it comes to the title race]. We have to keep on doing what we're doing, being in the moment, and doing all those small things that lead to performances. That's what we are focusing on. Of course, today is a big occasion because it is the north London derby. We want to get the three points."

'We need to play the game not the occasion'

Arsenal v Tottenham (17:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham head coach Martin Ho speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a wonderful occasion for us, for Arsenal and for women's football. When you have so many people in attendance for one of these games, it shows the growth of the game. It's a credit to both teams to be able to play in front of so many fans.

"We're going to have to show much of what we showed in that second half against Manchester City. We need to show control when we have the ball. We need to play the game not the occasion because it will be loud, noisy and hostile. We have to be robust defensively as well, making sure we are hard to break down and play against.

"Maika [Hamano] and Toko [Koga] are important for how we want to start the game and how we want to play. They are what we need at the start of the game, but things change throughout and the team that starts never finishes. Our other players will be ready to contribute."

'The quick turnaround hurts us'

FT: Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner speaking to the BBC: "I think it was just physically a slow start, because that is where we're at. We are a team who are giving absolutely everything. It was the same when we played City here last year, we had the energy and they didn't. It is an energy game. The quick turnaround from the Champions League, it hurts us, but we knew that.

"We have seen the fantastic youth we have to bring in and we have high hopes for their futures, then you see the difference in who City bring in, it's day and night, so I want to say that I am proud of those two young players coming in. Layla [Drury] was incredible, and then Jess [Anderson] to play at Old Trafford is incredible for them.

"It is tough at the minute because we are what we are and there is not much you can do. At Old Trafford you can't sit in and wait."

On if the squad size is impacting performance: "For sure, but I've got to accept that. The smaller the squad size the tiniest ability [you have] to change it around. What we have to do is try to find a way. We have a great opportunity next to try to turn around the Bayern tie. I told them in the huddle that we are hurting but we have to accept that and try to put it into going to play Bayern away and trying to turn that around. It is what it is and we have to move forward with it."

Man City win derby to move closer to WSL title

FT: Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City

Emma Sanders

BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Old Trafford

Vivianne Miedema's double helped Manchester City edge closer to the Women's Super League title with a comfortable derby win over neighbours United.

Andree Jeglertz's side need just two more victories to confirm their first league title in a decade and their fans left Old Trafford in a party mood. Netherlands international Miedema went off to a standing ovation in the second half with her side 3-0 up after she had scored twice in as many first-half minutes.

It was another impressive display by the champions-elect as they capitalised on a ruthless start with Miedema's headers. City were in complete control when Kerstin Casparij dealt another blow to United, following up at the back post to score their third goal within 49 minutes.

It was the second time this week United had suffered defeat at Old Trafford, having lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday. But this was even worse as City toyed with United, showing them up in their own backyard, and it was barely a contest.

Marc Skinner's side face a battle to remain in the top three - securing European football next season - and could drop to fourth on Sunday. They currently sit second, 11 points behind City and only three points above fourth-placed Arsenal. The Gunners and rivals Chelsea play later this weekend.

Liverpool beat Everton for first away WSL win this season

FT: Everton 2-3 Liverpool

Jess Anderson

BBC Sport

Ten-player Liverpool held on for their first Women's Super League win on the road this season with a hard-fought victory over local rivals Everton at Goodison Park.

Three first-half goals had put Liverpool well on their way to a comfortable victory, but a second-half fightback from Everton left the Reds clinging on to the three points. Gareth Taylor's side took a deserved early lead after Inma Gabarro gave away a penalty when she handled the ball in the box and Ceri Holland calmly slotted down the middle from the spot.

The visitors doubled their lead on 20 minutes as persistent pressure paid off and Martina Fernandez could only head Alejandra Bernabe's cross into the back of her own net. That goal sparked Everton into life and they had opportunities of their own before Holland tore through the middle of the park then curled a sweet strike into the top corner to give Liverpool a three-goal cushion at half-time.

But Everton were much improved in the second half and received a stroke of luck when Aurora Galli's free-kick took a heavy deflection off the Liverpool wall, leaving goalkeeper Jennifer Falk stranded as it dropped into the back of the net.

That kick-started a lively final 30 minutes where Grace Fisk was shown a second yellow card for rashly tripping Zara Kramzar off the ball after the Everton midfielder had barged into her. Scott Phelan's side proceeded to pepper the Liverpool goal as Maz Pacheco went close with an audacious volley, then Kramzar clattered off the bar before setting up a tense finale when she slotted past Falk in the 91st minute.

But Liverpool clung on for their first away win in what has been a difficult season and the result distances them further from the drop with eight points now separating them from Leicester in the relegation place.

'We love to be in this rhythm'

Arsenal v Tottenham (17:30 GMT)

Arsenal

Derby day continues on Saturday evening when Arsenal host north London rivals Tottenham.

The Gunners are currently fourth – 14 points behind Manchester City but with three games in hand – and have a spring in their step after a 3-1 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

“We love to be in this rhythm of playing games. It’s a rhythm that we like, the short turnarounds,” said boss Renee Slegers.

“We get to work towards the next game. We have a big squad. We have players ready to go, so we love to be in this rhythm.”

Striker Stina Blackstenius, who scored the first goal against Chelsea, will make her 150th appearance for the Gunners if she comes off the bench.