Liverpool break the record for the best start to a top flight season ever after beating Spurs 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It was a bit nervy at the end with the Reds’ performance levels dropping in the latter stages of the second half, leading to a couple of good chances for Son Heung-Min and Giovani Lo Celso. Thankfully for us, they couldn’t find the target and we go marching on in the Premier League.
In goal, Alisson was superb once again. he didn’t let anything get away from him, showing incredible positioning and handling. Considering he often has so little to do during every match, his concentration levels are fantastic. The Brazilian is without question one of the most important parts of the team.
The defence wasn’t so assured or impressive. Although Spurs did not create a whole lot on their own, long balls up towards Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold caused a few instances of confusion and could have led to some real problems. On the full-backs, both Trent and Robertson were not up to their usual standards both going forward and defensively. Robertson especially got into a few very promising positions and failed to deliver with adequate quality.
In midfield, the absences of Fabinho, Milner and Keita meant Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was given the nod to start alongside Henderson and Wijnaldum. Both Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum were caught on the ball once or twice during the game but on the whole played quite well, with Henderson very involved in the only goal. Gini also was especially good towards the end of the game in relieving pressure and wasting time. The Ox was unlucky not to score in the first few minutes, hitting the post after Firmino’s shot was cleared off the line. He also played some dangerous passes into the channel for Salah to run onto. A decent return to the starting line up from the Englishman.
The usual front three started up top and all played their part during the game. Mane gave his all in every portion of the pitch, constantly helping out defensively and giving the Spurs defence a torrid time going the other way. Mo Salah was similarly dangerous in attack and created the Firmino goal with a nice pass into the Brazilian’s feet. Roberto Firmino’s touch to set the ball, followed by the clinical finish was sublime. He was unlucky not to break the deadlock in the second minute as his shot was cleared off the line by Premier League debutant Japhet Tanganga. I’m sure he’ll be content with just the one, though, as it was all that was required to seal all three points.
As for who I’m giving Man of the Match, I’m going for Alisson. He makes the difficult things look so easy and continues to show why he is the best goalkeeper in the world.
