#3 Standout player: Sadio Mane
Match: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
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Jurgen Klopp and the rest of his team constantly dismiss suggestions that Liverpool are a one-man team but what they cannot shrug off is his importance to the side. The African international’s absence during his representation of Senegal at the AFCON was keenly felt by a Reds side who failed to win a single league game in the meantime.
The speedy forward’s return immediately rejuvenated Liverpool and Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs were left to deal with the consequences.
Mane scored two goals and could have added two more to his tally on the night if not for some excellent goalkeeping by Hugo Lloris. Liverpool’s number 19 burst into a run, leaving Ben Davies for dead to score a sublime first goal, courtesy of some excellent pressing and exchanges in midfield. His second came after Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino had both been denied by Lloris and co. In the box; the rebound was placed into the far top corner, sending Anfield into thunderous applause.
In the second half, the former Saints man helped out teammates in midfield and his presence, pace and alertness ensured that Spurs were always on the defensive.
Honourable mentions: Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial (vs. Watford), Raheem Sterling and David Silva (vs. Bournemouth), Manolo Gabbiadini (vs. Sunderland), Joey Barton (vs. Chelsea), Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (vs. Hull City)
