Liverpool Echo

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have become the latest to have their say on Xavi Simons' red card during Liverpool's win at Tottenham on Saturday night

Gary Lineker does not think Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons should have been shown a red card during Liverpool's 2-1 win against Spurs on Saturday. Netherlands international Simons was given his marching orders in the 33rd minute following a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk had passed the ball back to Alisson Becker when Simons appeared to catch the Liverpool captain late on the back of his Achilles. Referee John Brooks initially gave the Spurs man with a yellow card, but was then advised by VAR to have another look at the incident on his pitch-side monitor.

Brooks opted to upgrade the card to red, sending Simons off and reducing Spurs to 10 men. Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank fumed at the decision in his post-match press conference, saying the "game is gone", while Arne Slot didn't think Simons made a malicious attempt to hurt Van Dijk and injure him.

Now, ex-Everton and Tottenham forward Lineker has shared his view on the red card. "I'm going to have a little bit of a rant myself here. I know in slow motion you can pick it apart, his [Xavi Simons] studs may have caught the back of his [Virgil van Dijk] calf, but the fella is just trying to put his foot on the ground," he told the Rest Is Football.

"I mean there's absolutely zero intent. I mean yes, Virg might have got hurt, that happens in football, it happens all the time, doesn't mean to say it's a vicious foul. I just can't stand red cards for things like that, it was nothing. It's another one of those that looks in slow motion, you go 'ooh, blimey, he's raked down the back of his calf'.

"In normal speed it wasn't that, it's not like that at all. It’s not like that at all. And I know they all thought it was a red card and you two may think it's a red card, and I understand now that when they look at things, they might go and break it down so slowly, but when you see it in normal speed, it's just his foot landing, he flicks him.

"It's nothing, it's absolutely nothing."

Alan Shearer added: "It's totally accidental, totally accidental, yeah." Lineker continued: "Yellow card would've sufficed."

Simons, meanwhile, apologised after the game. He said on social media: "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 then chipped in with his verdict and said: "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.

"I spoke to him. It's a chat that no-one needs to know."

Liverpool beat Spurs 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening to move up to sixth in the Premier League table

Liverpool continued their ascent up the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening. The win was crafted by Liverpool's summer signings, with Alexander Isak putting the Reds ahead in the second half after an expertly weighted pass from the impressive Florian Wirtz.

Fellow newcomer Jeremie Frimpong delivered a deflected cross in the second half that Hugo Ekitike met with a looping header to double the lead. Former Everton star Richarlison reduced the arrears for Spurs late on, but Liverpool held on for their ninth win of the campaign.

However, while the Reds can rejoice in a six-game unbeaten streak following a poor run of form that derailed their Premier League title bid, the night was overshadowed by an injury to Isak. The match was also marked by a series of contentious incidents, including two red cards for Spurs.

Isak landed awkwardly after his shot put Arne Slot's team in front in the match, and hobbled off after receiving treatment on the pitch. The ECHO now examines the latest news from Anfield, with events at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under scrutiny.

Ekitike handed challenge

French star Ekitike has been told he will need to step up in the coming weeks following the injury suffered by Isak in the Premier League triumph over Tottenham.

The 23-year-old netted his 11th goal across all competitions for Liverpool with his second-half header against Thomas Frank's side. The former Eintracht Frankfurt man appears well-positioned to lead Liverpool's attack, having found the net five times in his last three Premier League outings.

Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day following the match, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given acknowledged that losing Isak for any period would be a devastating setback for Liverpool, particularly with Mo Salah currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

"It's a big loss if Isak has gone off injured again," Given said. "He's had a stop-start campaign so far. But, Ekitike looks the real deal, doesn't he?"

"A brilliant striker, and he'll have to step up. Obviously, Mo Salah has left as well to go to the Africa Cup of Nations. Ekitike will have to stay fit as well because it's a big loss if Isak is out for a number of weeks now as well."

The Reds now face a nervous wait to establish the severity of Isak's injury, with the club fearing that the Swede has suffered a 'significant' problem ahead of an MRI scan on Monday.

While the duration of Isak's potential absence remains uncertain, Slot did provide a brief update after the match, acknowledging it's never a positive sign when a player cannot carry on, particularly after finding the back of the net. "We'll have to wait and see," he said. He continued: "But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to come back on the pitch, that's usually not a good thing."

Ex-Premier League star slams Tottenham behaviour

Spurs' indiscipline has come under fire from former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Tottenham ended the Liverpool match with only nine players on the field.

Xavi Simons received a red card in the opening half, after a VAR review, for a tackle on his fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk. Christian Romero was also sent off following a second yellow card later in the match.

Richarlison also seemed to grab Ekitike by the neck after finding the net and subsequently confronted Dominik Szoboszlai. A clash between the Brazilian and Frimpong resulted in the Dutch wing-back departing the pitch with a bloodied lip.

Rodrigo Bentancur also committed a heavy foul on Milos Kerkez. Hart reckons Spurs' loss of composure ultimately enabled Liverpool to secure the result, despite Frank's team clawing their way back into the contest late on through Richarlison's strike.

Speaking on Match of the Day, the former England shot-stopper said: "They just totally lost control, and for me this is the worst, I really don't like this." He continued: "Bentancur's absolutely cheap shot on Kerkez, he's hit him really hard there, fellow professional, no need for that."

Ekitike later commented on the unsavoury incident, saying: "It was very physical today. There were a lot of duels, but sometimes, it was bad. That wasn't football."

Latest Liverpool transfer news as Antoine Semenyo saga could become a lot more important in the wake of Alexander Isak's injury scare

Liverpool have been left to fear the extent of Alexander Isak's injury suffered during Saturday's 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur. However, the January transfer window rolls around with opportune timing should the Reds find themselves down another attacker this winter.

Isak was forced off as he took the brunt of a Micky van de Ven tackle when unleashing his goalscoring shot to open Liverpool's account at Spurs. He is set to undergo an MRI scan on Monday that will reveal the full extent of the problem.

A lengthy injury for the striker would mean he is the third Reds attacker out of action as things stand, with Mohamed Salah away representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo also injured.

The answer could prove to be a £65m splash in the transfer market this coming January. At present, Liverpool are one of several clubs linked with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

That sum is believed to be the 25-year-old's release clause, though it has a swift expiry in the new year meaning suitors must act quickly.

According to The Guardian, the Reds are vying with major rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but may have an advantage with Anfield hinted as Semenyo's favoured destination.

It is explained how Semenyo - who has played primarily on the right flank for his current club under Andoni Iraola - is Arne Slot's solution for a long-term Salah successor.

But Gakpo's absence could create an opening on the left, meanwhile Semenyo has recently expressed his desire to feature centrally in attack - a possibility if Isak is out of action.

"I'm destined to be a No.9," the Ghanaian told AwayDays on YouTube. "Andoni, gaffer, play me as a nine - that's all I'm gonna say."

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Milos Kerkez believes he is starting to develop an understanding with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz at Liverpool

Milos Kerkez believes the change in system from Arne Slot is allowing him to build a relationship with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz at Liverpool.

Slot's team had lost nine of 12 games across all competitions between late September and November before the Reds were able to gain some stability with a run that now sees them unbeaten in six.

Kerkez, a £40m signing from Bournemouth, has started four of the last five in the Premier League with Wirtz ahead of him down the left side and both have found form in recent weeks, with the Reds now up to fifth after Saturday's 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.

Hungary defender Kerkez believes he is starting to develop and an understanding with £116m playmaker Wirtz, who moved to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in June.

“It wasn't really hard [settling in]," Kerkez told BBC Radio 5Live. "All the guys have helped me a lot. They’ve pushed me.

"The last few weeks have been better because we’ve had more time to gel in and get to know each other. At the moment, there’s a good connection between me and Flo (Wirtz). We’re playing good and I hope it keeps going. “I like [the change in shape] because I have more freedom with Flo. We are moving, passing and playing a lot of one-twos. I felt like I was in the opposition box a lot more and crossing. Also defending is my first job so it’s getting better and I’m happy about it. “It was a tough period for everyone. We spoke with each other and had talks and after that, we started to fly more. We just have to trust and push each other and show mentality. Like I say, if you play for Liverpool you need to win games."

On Saturday's victory over Spurs, Kerkez added: “Trust me, I don’t really know [why the control disappeared late on].

"I just tried to focus. It was really tough because everyone was in the box and there were lots of high balls, second balls, third balls.

"We should have cleared it better and got higher up the pitch but it is what it is. Three points. It’s important to collect points and get back to basics. We’re Liverpool, we need to win games."

Latest Liverpool injury news as worrying updates emerge concerning Alexander Isak following win at Tottenham Hostpur

Liverpool 'fear' Alexander Isak has suffered a significant injury during Saturday's 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur, say multiple reports. The striker was forced off after an awkward challenge by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven as he opened the scoring in north London.

Isak scored just his second Premier League goal since joining the Reds when he was hacked down by Van de Ven in Tottenham's penalty area. The £125m summer recruit made his way off the pitch with the help of Liverpool medical staff - just 15 minutes after entering the action as a half-time substitute.

Now it is said Liverpool having been left to fear their No.9 has taken significant damage, the Press Association understands, along with multiple supporting reports.

It is explained Isak has yet to undergo an MRI scan which will reveal the full extent of the injury, but the club are concerned at the extent of the damage to the the 26-year-old's lower leg.

Isak's season has already been impacted by injury as he arrived on Merseyside from Newcastle United nursing a knee issue, then in October missed five matches with a groin problem. A lengthy lay-off now would not have been on Arne Slot's Christmas wishlist, just as his new signing was starting to settle.

It would further accentuate Liverpool's problems in attacking depth as Mohamed Salah could miss over a month's worth of action whilst representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, meanwhile Cody Gakpo is also currently sidelined with injury.

The only solace for Slot is another of his summer signings, Hugo Ekitike, scored his fifth goal in his last three Premier League appearances against Spurs.

Answering on Isak after the final whistle, Slot had said: "I don’t have any news on him. But if a player scores and then gets injured, and doesn’t come back on the pitch, doesn’t try to come back - which is what Conor Bradley tried to do for example but I had to take him off as well because he couldn’t go on.

"But if a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing. But I cannot say anything more than that, it is just a gut feeling.

"Nothing medical to say about it. I haven’t spoken to him about it yet.

"It’s a good thing that he scored. That is what we would like to see happening a lot. Good finish, good pass. A good goal assisted by Florian Wirtz.

"I said last week already that players are getting better, our team is getting better. Wasn’t perfect today, especially not in the last 10 minutes but in the meantime we pick up points and I see the team developing in a way I want to see.

"Let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet (how serious the injuries might be). Let’s hope he is back with us soon. Difficult to say to you now."

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Alexander Isak suffered an injury to his lower left leg when scoring at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday

Liverpool fear Alexander Isak has suffered a significant lower leg injury as they await the results of an MRI scan on Monday. The Sweden international picked up the problem when he was caught by Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van den Ven when opening the scoring in Saturday's 2-1 win in North London.

Isak, who had only been on the pitch for 11 minutes as a second-half substitute, was immediately withdrawn for Jeremie Frimpong and was helped off the pitch by Dr Jonathan Power and Chris Morgan, two members of the club's medical team.

Liverpool are now awaiting the results of a further MRI scan on Monday but are braced for Isak to have sustained significant damage to his lower leg. The club are unwilling to speculate further on the severity of the £125m striker's issue and no timescale has yet been placed on his absence.

Arne Slot is due to speak to the media on Tuesday for the visit from rock-bottom Wolves on December 27 and the head coach will be better placed to offer a more fulsome update on the injury to his No.9, who registered his third goal for the club with the strike against Spurs.

Speaking immediately after the 2-1 win on Saturday, Slot conceded he was not in a position to offer much of an update so soon after the game, admitting: "I don't have any news on him but if a player scores, gets injured and doesn't come back on the pitch or doesn't try to come back, which Conor Bradley, for example did but I had to take him off and couldn't come on.

"But if a player doesn't try to come back it is usually not a good thing but I cannot say anything more than that. That is just a gut feeling and nothing more than that, nothing medical to say about it.

"I haven't spoken to him about it yet but it's a good thing he scored, a good goal assisted by Florian Wirtz. I said players are getting better, the team is getting better. It wasn't perfect today, especially the last 10 minutes but we pick up points and are developing in a way I want to see."

Isak, who only joined the club on September 1 after a protracted and acrimonious move from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, has already been sidelined for a month with a groin issue picked up in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.

Also speaking immediately after the game on Saturday, captain Virgil van Dijk said: "Injuries unfortunately are part of football and hopefully with Alex it's not too bad.

"He scored a great goal. It's too soon after the game to know (the extent of it). He will need to be assessed. Hopefully the injuries won't be too bad. We all saw how bad it looked with Alex but hopefully it won't be too bad."

Alexander Isak has suffered another injury blow after being forced off following a challenge from Micky van de Ven. The setback came shortly after the Swedish international had scored the opener in Saturday's clash against Tottenham.

The striker wasn't the only casualty, as Conor Bradley was also substituted due to injury. Arne Slot is already navigating a lengthy list of absentees, making these fresh concerns the last thing he needed midway through the busy festive period.

Despite these mid-game setbacks, Liverpool secured a vital three points away from home. The win moves the Reds up to fifth in the table, level on points with Chelsea in fourth and 10 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

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.

Reaction from Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in London on Saturday

Virgil van Dijk says everyone at Liverpool is targeting a strong end to 2025 after the 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday moved them up to fifth in the Premier League.

After Xavi Simons was sent off in the first half, strikes from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike after the break put the visitors in control before a late effort from Richarlison set up a tense finish.

Thomas Frank's Spurs continued to push for an equaliser even after Cristian Romero was also sent off for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate but Arne Slot's men held on to go six games unbeaten.

Liverpool entertain rock-bottom Wolves next at Anfield on December 27 before another home fixture with Leeds United on New Year's Day and Reds skipper Van Dijk has called on the club to finish the calendar year in style.

"The aim is to try to win every game ahead of us," Van Dijk said. "Unfortunately this season has had a lot of difficult moments in terms of results and performances as well.

"But all we can try to do is get better. We're at a club where we have a lot of opportunities to show what we can do. Now we focus on Christmas and being with the family, and then focus on Wolves. "Winning more, getting results, is always positive. Losing games, especially at a club like Liverpool, is always bad. For us it's about staying calm. Taking each game as it comes. Today we won. Now we have a couple of days off. "We will recover and then we will focus on Wolves. It will be a tough game. I saw their game against Spurs. Wolves will make it difficult for us and we have to be ready for that. First we have Christmas. Being with your family and being healthy are the most important things in life. "The immediate reaction coming off was that it was a chaotic last five to 10 minutes. It wasn't great but to get the three points is massive. There was nothing wrong up to us conceding a goal. We need to analyse the last part but personally I'm very pleased and it's on to the next one. "When you concede a goal and their fans get behind them like they did, it's never easy to make the right decisions and find the right solutions.

"That's something we can improve but I don't think it's worrying. It's a transition and we need to keep getting better. [The ending of the game] is something we will discuss within the squad." On Isak, who is now sweating on the severity of an injury after being forced off with the aid of the physios after being caught by Micky van den Ven when scoring the opening goal, Van Dijk added: "Injuries unfortunately are part of football and hopefully with Alex it's not too bad. "He scored a great goal. It's too soon after the game to know (the extent of it). He will need to be assessed. Hopefully the injuries won't be too bad. We all saw how bad it looked with Alex but hopefully it won't be too bad."

Van Dijk, who was part of a Liverpool contingent who got together for a Christmas meal in London on Saturday night, was caught on the Achilles by his Netherlands international colleague Simons after around half an hour and after referee John Brooks checked with the pitch-side monitor, the initial yellow card was upgraded to red.

"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 added. "Yeah I spoke to him [after the game]. It's a chat that no-one needs to know."

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak sustained an injury after scoring Liverpool's opening goal in the 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday evening, before Hugo Ekitike found the net again

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has been told he will need to step up in the coming weeks following the injury sustained by Alexander Isak in the Premier League win over Tottenham on Saturday evening.

Arne Slot's side edged a narrow 2-1 victory over the north London club, with Isak initially opening the scoring at the start of the second half after the hosts were reduced to 10 men in the first. Attacking midfielder Xavi Simons was shown a straight red card after VAR intervention for a dangerous tackle on Virgil van Dijk.

Despite opening the scoring for Liverpool, Isak wasn't able to celebrate his second Premier League goal for the Reds. In the process of finding the net, Spurs defender Micky van de Ven brought him down and his ankle appeared to get trapped between the Dutchman's legs.

OPINION

The stretcher was initially called for, but Isak was able to limp off the pitch with the help of Liverpool medical staff. The club now face an anxious wait to determine the extent of the injury, although fears of a potential ACL tear were put at ease on Saturday night, with The Athletic reporting the initial prognosis is a lower-leg injury, as opposed to the knee.

Ekitike went on to score Liverpool's second goal of the night to make it 2-0, before Spurs substitute Richarlison pulled a goal back late on. The hosts were reduced to nine men in stoppage time as Cristian Romero was sent off for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate, and Slot's men were just about able to cling on to their slender lead and secure all three points.

Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day after the game, pundit Shay Given admitted losing Isak for any amount of time would be a cruel blow for Liverpool.

That said, he noted that it is time for Ekitike to step up in Isak's absence, especially with Mohamed Salah also set to be absent for the next few games due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

"It’s a big loss if Isak has gone off injured again," Given explained. "He’s had a stop-start campaign so far. But, Ekitike looks the real deal, doesn’t he?

"A brilliant striker and he’ll have to step up. Obviously, Mo Salah has left as well go to the Africa Cup of Nations. Ekitike will have to stay fit as well because it’s a big loss if Isak is out for a number of weeks now as well."

Slot did issue a brief update on Isak post-match, admitting it never looks good when a player is unable to continue, especially after scoring a goal. "We'll have to wait and see," the head coach admitted.

"But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to come back on the pitch, that's usually not a good thing."

Liverpool return to action on December 27, just a couple of days after Christmas. They will host Wolves at Anfield in a Premier League clash.

Slot will have some tough selection decisions, however, in light of recent injuries. All of Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz were forced off with issues at various points during the game.