EPL 2016/17: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur, 5 talking points

Modified Feb 12, 2017 07:02 GMT

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Sadio Mane (2nd R) of Liverpool celebrates scoring his side's second goal with his team mate Philippe Coutinho (1st R) during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 11, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Tottenham Hotspur FC) — Liverpool are now fourth in the league table after a 2-0 win over Spurs

#3 Liverpool's top four hopes depend on Sadio Mane

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 11, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) — Sadio Mane has been involved in 15 of Liverpool’s league goals this season

Sadio Mane’s absence was the main reason for Liverpool's January derailment as the winger was with Senegal for national duty at AFCON. His pace and directness were missing for the Reds and it was this aspect that won the game for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur.

For the first goal, Mane beat Ben Davies for sheer pace while for the second, he was in the right place at the right time.

The winger has been in involved in 15 league goals for Liverpool this season and it is evident that Liverpool's top four hopes are banked on the directness and finishing skills of their prized Senegalese.