HIGH FIVE,
Moments later, Mo Salah was getting a rollicking that reverberated into the Royal Box. Jurgen Klopp, beating his chest for no obvious reason other than extreme frustration, was angry. Salah, with his team two to the good late in the game, had chosen to finish his run with a lame shot, grasping at the possibility of a comic-strip goal, an early awardcontender. There had been at least two better options – and Klopp let h i m know. If he could not hear Klopp above the marching noise of Spurs fans making for the Tube, he could at least see the dressing down. It was probably no coincidence Salah was one of the more subdued victors after Liverpool resisted the most unlikely of Spurs fightbacks that included an Erik Lamela strike and a stonewall penalty denied. Technology had ensured Liverpool took a lead into half-time Gini Wijnaldum’s header a fraction under the bar and a fraction over the line – but it is still forbidden to correct referees such as Michael Oliver when they down, but this was an extension of some generally excellent form this calendar year.
Virgil van Dijk’s impact since his arrival cannot be overstated and Milner’s career sunset continues to glow.
Trent Alexanderarnold is simply to the Premier League manor born and, as he did here, Jordan Henderson will have the view from the dugout plenty of times this season, such is the calibre of those competing in the midfield area.
As he agreed, this was Liverpool’s best display against Spurs since Klopp arrived.
Certainly better than that highon-energy, low-on-quality first match almost three years ago.
He has had time, he has had money. Now, Klopp looks ready to deliver.