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Arne Slot’s Reds showed their steel and sharpness in North London on Saturday evening, grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike proved decisive on a dramatic night that saw Spurs finish with just nine men, VAR controversy, late pressure, and a nervy finish that tested the Reds’ resolve. It was not a classic in terms of flowing football, but it was a statement win. Liverpool took full advantage of Tottenham’s disciplinary collapse, managed the big moments well, and leaned on both their depth and defensive discipline to come away with all three points.
A Tactical Line-Up with Familiar Faces
Liverpool arrived in the capital with just one change from the side that beat Brighton the previous weekend. Conor Bradley returned from suspension, slotting back into the starting lineup, while Jeremie Frimpong was named among the substitutes after recovering from his October injury.
Alisson Becker started in goal behind a back line of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez, and Bradley. The midfield featured Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch, with Florian Wirtz operating behind Hugo Ekitike in attack. Tottenham, meanwhile, were eager to make a statement at home but would soon find the night spiraling out of their control.
Cagey Opening and Early Warning Signs
The first half was short on clear chances, even before Spurs were reduced to ten men. Liverpool looked composed in possession, but Tottenham initially carried some threat on the counter.
Bradley made a crucial early intervention, throwing himself in the way of a Randal Kolo Muani effort inside the opening five minutes. It set the tone for a match where defensive contributions would matter just as much as attacking flair.
At the other end, Van Dijk rose highest from a set piece but could only head straight at Guglielmo Vicario. Kolo Muani responded moments later with a similar effort that also failed to trouble Alisson. Neither side truly dominated, but the game’s defining moment was just around the corner.
VAR Drama Turns the Match on Its Head
The flashpoint arrived just past the half-hour mark. Xavi Simons was initially shown a yellow card for a robust challenge on Van Dijk. After a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a straight red, with the challenge deemed serious foul play.
The atmosphere inside the stadium shifted instantly. Tottenham were down to ten men, and Liverpool sensed an opportunity. The Reds tried to press home their numerical advantage before the break. Wirtz came closest, curling a neat side-footed effort from inside the box that forced Vicario into a smart save. Still, despite the extra man, Liverpool went into halftime level, knowing patience would be key.
Second-Half Switch Sparks Life
Liverpool were forced into a change at the break, with Bradley unable to continue after picking up a knock late in the first half. Alexander Isak was introduced, and Szoboszlai dropped into an unfamiliar right-back role. The switch altered the dynamic immediately. Isak’s movement stretched Tottenham’s back line, and Liverpool began to find more space between the lines. Just eleven minutes into the second half, the breakthrough arrived.
Isak Strikes, Then Suffers
The opening goal was sharp, direct, and ruthless. Florian Wirtz slid a perfectly weighted pass into Isak’s path, and the striker did the rest, smashing a first-time finish past Vicario from close range.
There was no celebration. Isak remained on the ground after being caught by Micky van de Ven in the follow-through. His contribution was brief but vital, changing the tempo of the game and giving Liverpool the lead they had been working toward. The goal forced Tottenham to respond, and for a brief moment, they looked capable of doing just that.
Spurs Rally, Then Ekitike Delivers the Knockout Blow
Tottenham came agonizingly close to equalizing when Kolo Muani surged forward and unleashed a shot that deflected off Kerkez and looped onto the crossbar. It was a warning Liverpool could not ignore. Two minutes later, the Reds delivered the decisive moment.
Jeremie Frimpong, fresh off the bench, burst down the right and delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box. Hugo Ekitike timed his run perfectly, rose above Cristian Romero, and nodded the ball home with authority.
It was Ekitike’s fifth goal in his last three league games, a run of form that highlights his growing importance to Liverpool’s attack. The finish showed confidence, aggression, and composure, all qualities that have defined his recent performances. At 2-0, Liverpool appeared in control, but the night still had twists left.
Late Drama and Spurs’ Fading Hope
Tottenham refused to fold quietly. In the 83rd minute, Richarlison pounced after Liverpool failed to properly clear a corner, stabbing the ball home to reduce the deficit and reignite belief inside the stadium. The closing stages were tense. Spurs pushed bodies forward, and Liverpool were forced deeper than they would have liked.
The home side’s hopes took another hit in stoppage time when Cristian Romero picked up his second yellow card, reducing Tottenham to nine men. It was a costly lapse in discipline that summed up their evening. Still, Liverpool had work to do.
Alisson Stands Tall When It Matters
As pressure mounted, Alisson Becker once again showed why he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the league. He reacted sharply to deny Pedro Porro and then intervened bravely to cut out a dangerous Wilson Odobert cross that threatened to cause chaos in the box.
Those moments mattered. They killed Tottenham’s momentum and allowed Liverpool to manage the final seconds with greater calm. When the final whistle blew, the relief on the faces of the Liverpool players was clear. This had not been easy, but it had been effective.
What This Win Says About Liverpool
This was a victory built on adaptability, squad depth, and mental strength. Liverpool handled injuries, positional changes, and late pressure without losing their shape or belief. Isak made his impact in minutes. Ekitike continued his remarkable scoring run. Wirtz quietly dictated play. Van Dijk led with authority. Alisson delivered when it counted most.
Winning away at Tottenham is never simple, and doing so in a match filled with disruption and drama makes it even more impressive.
Liverpool may not have dazzled throughout, but they showed something just as important. They showed they can win ugly, manage chaos, and take their chances when they come. As the Premier League season rolls on, nights like this often prove just as valuable as the comfortable victories.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com