Tottenham travel to Liverpool today in the standout fixture of the Premier League weekend. Both teams could still qualify for next season’s Champions League but surely must win every game between now and the end of the season.
Stand-in Spurs boss Ryan Mason claimed a creditable comeback draw against Manchester United in his first game back in charge of the club but faces an almighty task at Anfield this afternoon. For all of Liverpool’s problems this season, home form has hardly been one of them.
While not quite the shootout for the top four many would have expected only months ago, a winner on Merseyside today would be making a statement. There are still European spots to fight for, albeit perhaps the idea of playing in either the Europa League or Conference League does little to whet the appetite. Follow Liverpool vs Tottenham updates live below, with expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at Anfield.
Live updates
HT: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
Dan Kilpatrick at Anfield: “HT, 3-1. What a strange half. After 15 minutes, it could easily have been worse for Spurs than Newcastle but Liverpool eased up and the visitors had the chances to go in at 3-2 or even level. Mason will be pointing out that they recovered from two goals down at half-time against United, although Liverpool are now playing towards the Kop and will be expected to up the tempo again.”
Dan Kilpatrick at Anfield
Liverpool have paid the price for taking pity on Spurs. The hosts took their foot of the gas after their third goal and the result has been a hugely sloppy few minutes. Spurs now have some hope.
Strange approach from Liverpool
42 mins: Spurs have now had three great chances in the last few minutes.
Very strange from Liverpool, who have taken their eye off the ball.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
39 mins: Harry Kane pulls one back for Spurs, just as he did against Newcastle.
Brilliant volley.
OFF THE LINE!
39 mins: Liverpool almost concede!
Van Dijk cleares one off the line from Son as Spurs start to up the tempo. Klopp will not be happy about how passive Liverpool have been.
Liverpool have really dropped off here
35 mins: Not quite sure why, either.
Newcastle proved how fallable this team are under pressure, while Manchester United were guilty of letting them off the hook.
He’s up!
34 mins: Good news for Liverpool as Diaz returns to his feet.
Injury worry for Liverpool!
33 mins: Diaz now down getting treatment after taking a knock.
Would be very cruel on the Colombian if anything serious, given how long he’s been out.
Liverpool slowing the tempo down
30:00: Are they taking pity on Spurs?
Certainly looks like it…
Damage limitation
26: Now, you’d expect Spurs to try and avoid another trouncing.
Still, so little about their defensive set-up would suggest they are capable of doing so. There are so many gaps for Liverpool any time they go forward.
