Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: Hits and Flops as Reds topple Spurs to claim top spot | Premier League 2020-21

Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur thanks to Roberto Firmino's late winner
Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur thanks to Roberto Firmino's late winner

#3 Hit: Curtis Jones

It was another excellent display in the Liverpool midfield from the young Englishman Curtis Jones.
It was another excellent display in the Liverpool midfield from the young Englishman Curtis Jones.

A number of injuries in the Liverpool squad, in addition to a dip in form for certain players in his position, has meant that Curtis Jones has enjoyed an extended run in the Liverpool starting eleven across all competitions this season.

Against Spurs, Jones lined up alongside Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum in a midfield three. He was given the license to drift across the field and pop up in all sorts of promising positions.

It was due to the English youngster’s fast feet that Liverpool were able to fashion the chance that led to their opener. Jones even had a chance to extend his side’s lead with a speculative effort that was well gathered by Lloris.

Jones’ intuitive positioning, clever runs, and excellent range of passing, among other attractive qualities, have really caught the eye of the footballing world. And he certainly seems to be one for Liverpool’s future.


#4 Flop: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold's trademark accurate delivery was lacking in Liverpool's win over Spurs.
Alexander-Arnold's trademark accurate delivery was lacking in Liverpool's win over Spurs.

Having established himself as one of the world’s premier attacking full-backs after racking up a number of goals and assists over the past couple of seasons, Trent Alexander-Arnold has failed to hit the same heights this season.

Although injury has limited his game time in this campaign, Alexander-Arnold has only managed one assist this season and failed to add to that tally in this encounter.

The probing crosses that the Englishman usually plays in with almost laser-guided precision onto the heads of his side’s attackers have been absent thus far this season. Unfortunately for Liverpool, they were not on display against Spurs either.

Furthermore, Alexander-Arnold was caught out of position for Spurs’ equalizer, with Son exploiting the vacant space left behind by the Liverpool right-back to score.

While Liverpool are good value for their position in the current league table, Alexander-Arnold’s form will be an area that they will surely be an area they will be looking to improve in going forward.


#5 Hit: Hugo Lloris

A string of solid saves from Lloris could not prevent his side from slipping to a defeat at Anfield.
A string of solid saves from Lloris could not prevent his side from slipping to a defeat at Anfield.

Given Spurs’ cautious, defensive-minded setup and the attacking options in the Liverpool ranks, Hugo Lloris would have expected to be facing a number of shots at his goal before the match began.

That was exactly what ensued, with Liverpool taking advantage of Spurs sitting deep to send a barrage of efforts raining down on their goal. All of those attempts were dealt with admirably by Lloris.

The Spurs skipper pulled off a series of fine saves to deny Jones, Salah, and Firmino during the course of the game, showing extremely safe hands and excellent athleticism. He also commanded his box well, as he came out to claim a few crosses with great authority.

For his efforts in goal, Lloris was unfortunate to see his clean sheet sullied by a deflected effort that looped over his head into the net. The powerful header that arrowed into the top corner for the winner was a pity too, as both efforts rendered him absolutely helpless.

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