Liverpool won. Now, that’s not much of a story these days, is it? Roberto Firmino’s goal at the end of the first half gave the Reds a 1-0 victory on their first visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Jurgen Klopp’s men won their 20th game of the season.
The Reds’ 61 points in 21 games is the highest ever tally a team has recorded in a top-flight season in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Liverpool had to hang on a bit at the end, but it was yet another priceless win in the chase for the league title, that now puts the Reds 16 points clear of second-placed Leicester City, with a game in hand.
Here’s how each player fared.
Alisson Becker – 9/10
Absolutely outstanding. Be it coming way off his line to sweep up behind the centre-backs, or making saves look like eating pies, he did it all. It really is a sight to see him catch almost every shot that comes his way.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10
Generally defended well against Son, but had a few moments of confusion after miscommunication with Gomez. He has had much better days going forward though.
Joe Gomez – 6/10
Matched up well to Lucas Moura in most situations, but the pre-season problem of communication with Trent surfaced again, luckily to no great harm.
Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
Calm as you like, with that goal-saving tackle, and some nice sweeping up behind Gomez. Should’ve scored from a Henderson cross in the first half, when it looked like he lacked conviction in his header.
Andrew Robertson – 7/10
Non-stop energy down the left, but much like Trent, there wasn’t great quality in the end-product. Some might say he was lucky to get away with the tackle on Alderweireld as well. The snide part of his game has developed, but one can’t help but feel he needs to calm down, as he might be getting to wrong side of the “line” soon.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Sloppy to start the game, with his passing. But got better and better as the game went on. Possibly the first time in this run of games without Fabinho, that one has felt Liverpool could do with the Brazilian on the pitch.
Gini Wijnaldum – 9/10
Outstanding performance. Pressing superb, protection of possession great, drive forward excellent, and should have done better with the late header off a Shaqiri cross.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
Should’ve scored early on, when he hit the post, off a rebound from a Firmino shot. Grew sloppy after half-time, and did annoy Klopp, who put Lallana on to replace him.
Mohamed Salah – 8/10
Showed for the ball to come to him, was mostly imperious in possession, and got the assist for Firmino’s goal as well. A great performance, especially when you consider the close attention he had from Sanchez and Rose all game.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
Not great in his play going forward this evening, but the desire in his work to track back and win tackles was exemplary. Was taken off in the 81st minute.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10
Yet another goal away from Anfield this season, and it was a brilliantly taken goal. Should have maybe scored even before that, but his shot was blocked on the line by Tanganga.
SUBSTITUTES
Adam Lallana – 6/10
Brought work rate and running, when Liverpool were holding on towards the end of the game.
Divock Origi – 6/10
Had only ten minutes to play, but created a chance for himself with some outstanding dribbling.
Xherdan Shaqiri – N/A
Came on only for stoppage time, but that was enough time to put in a peach of a cross for Wijnaldum.
