Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham: Player Ratings
A breathtaking contest at Anfield ended in frustration for the hosts as Liverpool and Spurs shared the spoils, ensuring that the top four occupants of the table remained unchanged.
Mo Salah’s brace was cancelled out by two dramatic goals from the visitors in what was a remarkable game of football on Merseyside.
The Reds took a lead through their dynamic Egyptian in the third minute, courtesy of a misplaced back pass from Eric Dier. The hosts then played some exquisite football until about the hour mark, after which Spurs seized the initiative (and possession), making Liverpool toil off the ball.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 4, 2018: Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp laughs in shock at assistant referee Eddie Smart after he went against referee Jonathan Moss to impose two penalties for Tottenham Hotspur during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A nerve-wracking few moments ended in substitute Victor Wanyama scoring a peach of a goal after Loris Karius’ clearance fell straight to him. Salah then stayed on his foot despite alleged foul play in the Spurs box to slot home his and the Reds’ second of the night in the 91st minute of added time.
It felt like a winner but wasn’t to be after a contentious penalty – awarded by the assistant after the referee had waved play on – was converted by Harry Kane in the dying seconds, making sure that Pochettino and co did not return empty-handed.
Lorius Karius – 7.5
The Reds keeper made a few excellent saves – with his hands as well as feet – denying the Spurs attack any sight of goal. The German looked composed and decisive in the box.
Wanyama’s volley was un-saveable but could have dealt better with the cross at first.
He did save Harry Kane’s first penalty after the Englishman went to ground at the slightest of touches, following Karius’ onrush to collect the ball.
Andrew Robertson – 6.5
Defensively solid throughout and a willing outlet in attack, as always. Led the pressing from the front, and was his usual energetic self. Could and should have done better going forward – with respect to delivering crosses – especially with other teammates in promising attacking positions.
READ MORE: Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham: The best photos
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 4, 2018: Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren looks on in disbelief as a second penalty is awarded to Tottenham Hotspur in injury time during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Virgil van Dijk – 7
It seems very harsh after what was definitely a solid performance at the back for a majority of the game. The latest Reds signing made some crucial blocks and goal-saving tackles, especially one on Son. He also got into attacking positions from set pieces and almost scored from a corner.
However, no matter how technical things get, it was his waywardly raised leg that provided Erik Lamela with an excuse to go down in the last minute. The resulting penalty is why the Reds will not take home all 3 points.
Dejan Lovren – 7
The Croatian was as impervious as his centre-back partner for most of the game. It looked like he had put the miseries of Wembley behind and is heading for a new chapter with the Reds.
Besides clearing up with some well-taken headers and timely interceptions, he even offered attacking input on the right side late on.
Made an unnecessary attempt at a clearance – when Kane was offside – and missed. It forced Karius to come forward and gave Kane an invitation to go down, resulting in a penalty (albeit saved).
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 4, 2018: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Was a marauding threat in attack, providing a couple of delicious crosses that deserved better outcomes. Stood up to Ben Davies, Dele Alli and co and aside of a high foot lunge, was the calmest defender especially as the game wore on.
Jordan Henderson – 6.5
The captain spoke earlier of wanting to be part of such games, and led his mates with energy and subtlety. He closed down the Spurs midfield and provided a few well-placed long balls for Mané and Salah to capitalize on.
Replaced with half an hour to go, probably as part of managing his fitness and return from injury.
Emre Can – 6
The German looked a slightly rushed and out of his comfort zone, and was constantly harried by the effervescent Dembele in midfield.
Nothing faulty about his performance but energy levels dropped a shade compared to his MoTM outing from mid-week.
READ MORE: Klopp after dramatic Spurs draw: “I cannot believe some of the decisions today”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 4, 2018: Liverpool’s captain Jordan Henderson hands the captain’s armband to James Milner during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
James Milner – 6.5
Resourceful and a willing runner, made himself available in crucial areas while in attack and swept up in defence. Took a cross that could have ended up in goal.
An extra half-point for giving referee John Moss an earful, as the official blatantly seemed to overlook every Spurs foul early on. Milner’s advice seemed to work as Moss bettered himself afterward.
Sadio Man̩ Р6.5
Not at his best yet. Did get some lovely touches on the ball and had a few early chances to break away but the one that will eat away at him will probably be a bad touch late on.
A well-taken pass should have sent Salah through on goal with Spurs defending high up but the awkward placement meant the opposition had time to reorganize.
Roberto Firmino – 7
Provided the usual hustle and harrying with the pressing game in full flow, especially in the first half. Took a blow from Lloris late on but was generally his usual self, though could not make it count on the scoreboard. He will have better nights.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 4, 2018: Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Mohamed Salah – 8.5
He is the Reds’ go-to man and he delivered, as he always seems to. Scored a brace and made a nuisance of himself all through the game.
His first goal brought up his 20th in the league, the fastest to the mark in a Reds shirt after eclipsing Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge’s records.
Ben Davies, Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen and others took turns or joined up to try and keep the Egyptian in check; yet, he notched up a double which guaranteed Klopp and co took something from a six-pointer of a game.
SUBS
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5
A forgettable performance. Was sent on to contain the visitors’ momentum and potentially create some of our own. The former Arsenal man’s loose touches and passing, not to mention an absolutely botched clearance at the edge of the box, was disappointing.
Gini Wijnaldum – 5
Was brought on to control and up the momentum in midfield, after some slack defending and tempo had provided Spurs a window to try and grab points. Did not threaten or provide an inspiring spark at either end.
Joel Matip – 5
Replaced James Milner at the fag end of the game to contain the Spurs attack, shut the gaps and wrap up all three points. Could not help with any of what he was
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