3 reasons why Tottenham lost to Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Despite the match being toe-to-toe in the first half, Spurs almost gave up fighting for the points. They were swept aside by a resolute and well organized Liverpool side who looked more keen on coming out on top in every single battle that transpired on the pitch.

The Reds ran over Spurs, and they were as dead as doornails by the time Liverpool were done hammering them.

Tottenham are a strong side, but they were clearly lacking concentration, especially their midfielders and fullbacks, as their silly passes and miserable touches cost them an important 3 points.

Liverpool go 3 points clear, though Spurs looked like they were ready for a comeback after Lamela's terrific finish, beating two defenders and Allison to hit the back of the net.

But it was late, as Liverpool held them to just one goal by the end of 90+5 minutes. They did deserve a penalty, but what's gone is gone.

Let's take a look at the 4 reasons why Tottenham lost.


#3 Defensive errors

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Tottenham's defensive woes were making the most of the limelight. The likes of Salah and Mane sprinted through the wings quite a couple of times, as the Spurs' midfielders were dispossessed, pretty easily I must say.

Dier's passing was pitiable, to say the least. Trippier and Danny Rose were miserable today, though one can claim Rose's airballs and crosses still contributed in some way. It was not a convincing night for the Lilywhites.

Trippier and Danny Rose are pretty vulnerable to pressing, as they lost the ball the most number of times in today's game. Mane alongside Robertson caused some serious problems for the Lilywhites on the left, with Salah running past defenders with ease.

Salah's finishing and awareness were certainly feeble today, he has had 3 shots on target, and luckily for Spurs, it wasn't his day today.

#2 Lack of creativity in the midfield

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League

It is just Eriksen who can actually create for his players out of the most difficult of situations. There is no one else in Tottenham's squad who can do, or at least try to replicate what Eriksen does.

Dier was miserable today, as he failed to contribute in both the departments of the game; attacking and defending. As a result, he was replaced by Erik Lamela, the only player on the scoresheet for Tottenham.

Tottenham, or rather, Pochettino needs to realise that his midfielders lack certain abilities needed, and that drags them down from the list of teams who can win the Premier League this year. Maybe the tactics need to change, or they must sign better and effective midfielders in the winter transfer market.

#1 Spurs were vulnerable to pace

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League

It was crystal clear that the Spurs' fullbacks were not a match to Salah and Mane's pace, as the latter duo managed to get past them a lot of times in the game. Dembele was nowhere near his best, as the Belgian lost possession quite a few times. It was not a good day for the Lilywhites.

Pochettino's men surely showed attacking intent and they were not sitting back and defending. However, it was clearly a plus point for the Liverpool attackers, as they found it pretty easy to get in behind of the Spurs' defenders.

Aurier might be likely to start ahead of Trippier next week, as the latter has displayed a horrific show today. Spurs are 5th on the table, and they'll be facing Brighton in the next game, away from home.

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