Liverpool came back from their two previous draws with a 3-6 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Legendary forward Mohamed Salah played a pivotal role for the Reds once again to help secure very crucial three points.
The Reds have won 21 from 25 matches in all competitions, continuing their strong start since Jurgen Klopp’s high-profile departure. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot brought balance between the defence and attack at the club despite the lack of recruitments.
Despite their dominance since the beginning of the season, Liverpool suffered two draws in a row in the Premier League. They needed an away victory against the attack-minded Spurs despite their last two high-scoring victories against Southampton and Manchester United.
The Reds showed impressive attacking prowess but displayed fragility in their defence that is not parallel with their overall form. Rest assured, Slot would not like the goals that Liverpool conceded during the game regardless of their attacking qualities.
The Kop Times rates Liverpool players for their performances against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium-
Goalkeeper and Defence
Alisson Becker (6.5/10)
Despite conceding three goals, Alisson made two saves, one punch and six recoveries while sweeping the opposition’s attack twice. The defenders failed to protect the 32-year-old adequately, leaving him blameless for the goals he conceded.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10)
Alexander-Arnold created an impressive opening goal for Luis Diaz to give Liverpool a deserved lead in the first half. The England international delivered a strong all-round performance for the Reds, influencing both defensive and offensive phases.
Joe Gomez (7/10)
Gomez won 100% tackles with 10 defensive actions, eight recoveries and three-headed clearances alongside one interception. Many overlook the 26-year-old’s contributions as he plays alongside the dominant Virgil van Dijk.
Nevertheless, the goals that Liverpool conceded deserve assessment of what they could have done better even if they lacked individual errors.
Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10)
The Liverpool captain dominated in and out of possession for the Reds, winning every aerial (two) and ground duel (seven). Nevertheless, the Reds conceded three goals, showcasing the complacency that the leaders of the team need to accept as accountability.
Andy Robertson (6.5/10)
While Robertson delivered a better performance considering the criticism he received from the fickle section of social media, he lost a critical aerial duel against Brennan Johnson when the Reds conceded their third goal.
Merry Xmas, Reds! pic.twitter.com/VcwLdhQxWz
— Dominik Szoboszlai (@_SZD10) December 22, 2024
Many Liverpool fans want a left-back recruitment during the January transfer window and this game only adds to their argument. The Scotland captain delivered a good performance overall but there’s a lot of room for improvement.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch (7.5/10)
Gravenberch delivered another reliable performance from the defensive midfield position, showcasing his elegance on and off the ball. The Dutch international nullified the channels that Spurs’ attackers like to exploit while dominating in possession.
Alexis Mac Allister (8/10)
Mac Allister scored the second goal in the 36th minute but lost a duel that led to the 41st-minute goal for James Maddison. Nevertheless, the Argentina international persistently influenced the game until his 68th-minute substitution.
Dominik Szoboszlai (9/10)
Szoboszlai scored Liverpool’s third goal but his biggest contribution was his work rate throughout the game. The Hungary international’s elegant touches and conviction to stay available for his teammate and his unrelenting pressing played a pivotal role in the victory.
Arne 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/JV9GJGUBgO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2024
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (9.5/10)
The Liverpool legend contributed with two goals and two assists while showcasing his unhappiness as a true hungry lion for the late substitution. Salah is operating at a level unmatched by any player in the world right now as he delivered another Man of the Match performance.
Luis Diaz (8/10)
While Diaz opened Liverpool’s account and scored an 85th-minute goal, his flamboyancy sometimes overpowered his effectiveness. The Colombian international needs to become more consistent in the final third as he missed many critical opportunities to improve the scoreline for Liverpool.
Cody Gakpo (7.5/10)
Gakpo was once again ever-present for the Reds on the left flank but failed to convert his chances during the game. Nevertheless, his influence in the overall play is second to none and his constant switch with Diaz created a lot of problem
Substitutions
Curtis Jones (6/10)
Jones replaced Mac Allister in the 68th minute but struggled to adapt to the game’s pace and maintain possession. The Reds conceded two goals after his arrival as he and the team collectively failed to maintain composure and possession.
Diogo Jota (6.5/10)
Jota came on for Gakpo in the 68th minute when the game was open as both teams continued to create their respective attacks.
Darwin Nunez (N/A)
Nunez had limited time to influence the game but almost won a corner kick which the officials missed unfortunately.
Harvey Elliott (N/A)
Elliott joined the game late and had a limited opportunity to influence the game.
Arne Slot (9.5/10)
While Arne Slot put the team to counter Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style of play, his team conceded three goals. Nevertheless, the players’ complacency is responsible for those goals while his tactics played a key role in overall domination.
The Dutch head coach continues to display why he was the perfect replacement for the legendary manager Klopp. While Liverpool beat Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they need to shift their focus on the game ahead.
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