Spurs, Liverpool give fans reason to cheer

LONDON— Fans of Premier League title challengers Liverpool and Tottenham had waited since March to watch their teams win from the stands. They weren’t disappointed. Spurs supporters — a maximum of 2,000 under coronavirus restrictions, and no away fans — were treated to a 2-0 win over fierce north London rival Arsenal. It was the first Tottenham home game since fans were allowed back in stadiums in England.

The dependable duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min delivered again as Tottenham beat its old rival and stayed atop the table as it chases what would be the club’s first English league title since 1961.

First Kane set up Son to score with a curling long-range shot, then the 28-year-old South Korean assisted on Kane’s goal from close range just before the end of the first half.

“We’re just feeling good. We’re both at an age now where we’re coming into maybe our prime in terms of understanding the game, understanding each other,” the 27-year-old Kane told broadcaster Sky Sports. He and Son have combined for 12 goals this season.

The 2,000 fans at Liverpool’s Anfield home belted out the first rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the stadium since the pandemic interrupted the previous season in March. Liverpool responded with a 4-0 win over Wolverhampton to stay level with league leader Tottenham on points.

The home crowd was treated to the rare sight of a goal from Joel Matip, the defender’s first in 14 months.

Elsewhere, Jamie Vardy scored the winner as Leicester beat Sheffield United 2-1. Sheffield has just one point from its first 11 league games.