TOTTENHAM 0 ROB’S RECORD BREAKER Firmino goal clinches a new club landmark of 38 unbeaten games
LIVERPOOL 1
Within two minutes of his debut, made vital clearance. Excellent ALDERWEIRELD
Read danger well and marshalled back-line with a defiant display SANCHEZ
Terrific, goal-saving tackle, solid defensively and stuck to his task ROSE
Looked suspect defensively and did not do much going forward AURIER
Where was he playing? All over the place. But did well for once ERIKSEN
Played like his head is elsewhere. Spurs surely desperate to cash in WINKS
Good on the ball, but spent much of the game closing down
SON
Missed a big late chance and got lost at times. Below par
MOURA
Hard work did not always pay off, but he never stopped running ALLI
Never stopped trying, good work rate right until the end. Tenacious.
SUBS: Lamela (Rose 69, 6); Lo Celso (Eriksen 69, 6)
Needed tracksuit trousers to keep warm in first half, busier later on ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
Great going forward, but also very good defensive challenges GOMEZ Booked
Despite the yellow, another good display. Best partner for Van Dijk VAN DIJK
Did not take big early chance, but very comfortable in defence ROBERTSON
Gives everything for the cause both in defence and attack OX-CHAMBERLAIN Booked
Good energy and running from midfield, unhappy to be subbed HENDERSON
Good yet again, set up chances and covered a lot of ground WIJNALDUM
Covered so much ground, was probably pick of the midfielders SALAH
Unselfish. Assist for Firmino and played in Mane a few times FIRMINO
Exquisite movement on opening goal. Exceptional work rate
MANE
Had to come deep for the ball as Spurs marked him tightly
SUBS: Lallana (OxladeChamberlain 61, 6); Origi (Mane 81); Shaqiri (Salah 90)
REFEREE:
Martin Atkinson
7
THE invincible dream lives on for Liverpool as they surged to victory 20 out of 21 in their incredible season.
Triumph against a spirited Tottenham team means they have now made the finest start to a season in history in any of the major European leagues.
Better than Barcelona or Real Madrid or Bayern Munich or either Manchester club. The best ever, 61 points from 63.
Last night they were hanging on a little by the end as Spurs threatened a late equaliser, but the strength of purpose to match their style and skill carried them through another challenge. Jurgen Klopp punched the air at the final whistle. He is a man who currently can do no wrong, and there was a gracious hug from Jose Mourinho.
This contest was the Champions League final contested seven months ago in the blistering heat of Madrid.
But the fortunes of the two clubs have diverged wildly since and a mild winter evening was just another step in Liverpool’s rampage to further glory.
Spurs, to borrow from the old Bruce Springsteen song, are “like a river that don’t know where it’s flowing – took a wrong turn and just kept going”.
The destination right now is horribly uncertain.
A bounce from the appointment of Mourinho (right) has failed to materialise and he decided to experiment in a huge ma throwing untested young c defender Japhet Tanganga in match for an unexpected P League debut.
It brought an extra chee from Spurs supporters when his name was read out, but it was a very curious move.
The 20-yearold is clearly a prospect, having played for
England junior teams at every age level, but was this the right match for him?
Tanganga was swiftly inv Within the first two minut made a double intervent deny Liverpool an instan blocking a shot from Firmin