The Sunday Telegraph - Sport

Liverpool man marking James Milner Almost claimed an assist within a minute as he drifted to the right wing. His physicalit­y and tactical discipline shone. An invaluable part of this side. 8

- By Chris Bascombe

Alisson No Cruyff turns this week. Tested by Eriksen with close range free-kick in the first half, dealing with that with assurance. 7 Trent Alexander-Arnold Cool, composed and classier as the game progressed. The inexperien­ced wing of Liverpool’s defence offered no hope for Spurs. 8 Virgil van Dijk Battle with Kane was going to define the game. He won. Outstandin­g tackle on Moura spared his defensive partner embarrassm­ent. Flawless. 8 Joe Gomez This was the young defender’s first big test. Caught in possession by Moura and got away with it, but learns quickly. Later, had the better of it. 7 Andrew Robertson After a steady start he was dominant. Hit bar with a cross and could have had several assists. Steady and spectacula­r. 9 Naby Keita Not exploded in the Premier League yet, but the signs of excellence are there. Several attempted killer passes missed their target and he should have scored. 7 Gini Wijnaldum Showed why he has started every game so far. Headed Liverpool in front, but could have increased the lead shortly after. Outstandin­g again. 8 Sadio Mane Lively but often lacking the killer punch. Worked several chances that needed composure. Always a threat. Dangerous yet wasteful. 7 Mohamed Salah Not yet the Salah of last season. The chance he shot at Vorm on 21 minutes would have found the corner a year ago. Needs to see a pass more often. 7 Roberto Firmino Thought he had scored within a minute. Did not let the Spurs defenders or deep midfielder­s relax. So important to Klopp’s system. Deserved his goal. 9 Subs: Jordan Henderson (for Firmino 74); Daniel Sturridge (for Keita 83); Joel Matip (for Alexander-Arnold 90).

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom