A late own goal from Toby Alderweireld handed Liverpool a huge three points in the Premier League title race at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s men took the advantage just after a quarter of an hour as Roberto Firmino nodded home a delicious ball from Andrew Robertson. Liverpool spurned plenty of chances to extend the lead and it came back to bite them as Spurs put together a wonderful move from a free-kick to see Lucas Moura equalise with a close range finish.
Just as time was running out, Alderweireld put through his own net at the Kop end to hand the Reds what could be a vital victory in the context of the title.
Firmino gives the Reds vital lead
It took some time for the first chance to be created but as soon as it was, Liverpool were ruthless as they took the lead. Jordan Henderson switched the ball out to Robertson as he sprinted into space. The Scottish full-back then whipped in an excellent cross towards Firmino, who had managed to find space in the Tottenham defence. The ball was perfect as the striker nodded the ball low into Hugo Lloris’ net.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also went close to having an impact as he fired a shot in from the edge of the area that just went whistling wide.
Chances created by both
Sadio Mane was also inches away from doubling the advantage as he burst through but could only curl the ball just wide of the Tottenham goal.
Despite falling behind in the first-half, the visitors started to create chances after the break. Harry Kane had his effort palmed away by Alisson, whilst Christian Eriksen latched onto the rebound but also had his shot blocked by Robertson.
Mo Salah also blasted an effort over the bar as both sides pushed for a further goal.
Moura blasts Spurs level
It took a moment of extremely quick thinking from Kane for Tottenham to haul themselves back into the match. The striker took a deep free-kick quickly and picked out Kieran Trippier on the right flank. The defender pulled the ball out of the sky and played it inside to Eriksen. He then produced a teasing cross to pick out Lucas only yards from goal and he blasted it underneath Alisson.
Liverpool were shell-shocked but it only took a brilliant save from Lloris to paw Alexander-Arnold’s cross-shot over the bar. The Frenchman also did well to smother the ball after it had deflected off of Firmino from a corner.
Moussa Sissoko should possibly have stolen a win as Spurs hit their hosts on the counter-attack but blasted the ball high into the stands before Dele Alli also whipped an effort just off target.
Dramatic late win for Liverpool
Time was continuing to tick down and a goal for either side would have proved crucial and that was the way it panned out. From a corner, Salah managed to cause enough confusion at the back post to be able to nod towards goal. Lloris palmed the ball straight into Alderweireld and it rolled into the net to hand Jurgen Klopp and his team a vital three points.
As a result, Liverpool rise to the top of the Premier League, two points ahead of nearest challengers Manchester City.
Final Thoughts
The tension at Anfield really was palpable throughout the whole game as the Merseysiders attempt to win their first ever Premier League. Once again though, Liverpool were not at their convincing best but the team will not care one bit as they have secured another victory. This win really could see the momentum once again swing in the Reds’ favour as they chase the crown.
Match Report
Liverpool: Alisson (7); Robertson (8), van Dijk (7), Matip (6), Alexander-Arnold (7); Milner (6) (Fabinho (N/A), 77′), Henderson (6) (Origi (N/A), 77′), Wijnaldum (7); Mane (6), Firmino (7), Salah (7) (Lovren (N/A), 90+4′).
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris (5); Rose (6), Vertonghen (6), Sanchez (6) (Son (6), 69′), Alderweireld (6), Trippier (7); Alli (5), Sissoko (6), Eriksen (7) (Llorente (N/A), 90+1′); Moura (7) (Davies (N/A), 82′), Kane (6).
Goals: Firmino (16′), Moura (70′), Alderweireld OG (90′)
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Yellow Cards: Moura (80′)
Red Cards: N/A
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