Rose is a thorn in Klopp’s side
THE outcome may have been the same but this time, Jurgen Klopp could feel the anguish of dropped points churning inside.
‘It feels worse,’ conceded Klopp, who began his career in England with a goalless draw in this fixture in October last year. ‘Simon Mignolet saved our lives last time. This time, he made one brilliant save.’
Liverpool, on the day, were explosive and destructive on the break, tearing through Spurs and yet unable to convert any of the many clear chances they created.
A first-half penalty confidently taken by James Milner was the only tangible reward for the pace and mobility which was tormenting Tottenham’s back four.
For a spell in the first half, Sadio Mane was exceptional, perhaps reducing his intensity slightly when he was warned by referee Bobby Madley about a late challenge moments after being booked. Spurs, in contrast, were far from the fluent unit they were last season. Goals are proving elusive, Harry Kane has not scored in five Premier League games.
They have one more point than Liverpool after three games — and will be relieved to have taken one from this contest.
Spurs had almost reached the sanctuary of half-time when they slipped behind. Eric Dier was drawn inside by runners and Roberto Firmino spun out wide, collecting a pass and darting into the penalty area ahead of Erik Lamela, who caught his heel as he crossed the line. Referee Madley pointed to the spot and Milner sent Michel Vorm the wrong way.
The second half began and finally Spurs stirred. Christian Eriksen missed the target when he should have done better and Mignolet summoned a fabulous save to beat out a header by Toby Alderweireld.
Just 18 minutes remained when Danny Rose struck. Dier drove forward and crossed. Lamela’s run created space for the left-back, who arrived unmarked, took a touch and squeezed the ball past Mignolet.