Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: 5 talking points as Roberto Firmino's last-gasp winner sends the Reds to the top of the table | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Tottenham Hotspur fail to take their chances

Steven Bergwijn had a couple of good chances to score

A passionate Jose Mourinho said after the game that Tottenham Hotspur were the better team, but not many will agree with him.

Hugo Lloris was the busier of the two ‘keepers as Liverpool had more shots on goal than Spurs. Bergwijn did hit the post for the away side, but so did Sadio Mane for the hosts.

Mourinho will perhaps feel aggrieved that Bergwijn couldn’t take his two openings as it would have vindicated the game plan. Bergwijn’s second attempt that hit the woodwork summed up Spurs perfectly. They transitioned quickly by bypassing the Liverpool midfield with a long ball, and after a couple of headed exchanges by Kane and Son, Bergwijn was through on goal.

One-on-one with the goalkeeper, the Dutchman could only watch his shot go off the post as Spurs could not take the lead. This was perhaps the biggest moment in the game before Liverpool’s late winner.

Tough to take but seemed inevitable when Spurs missed the two key chances. Aurier excellent. Curtis Jones looks class. I’ll be amazed if Liverpool don’t win the title. Rapid season, little time to dwell. Top 4 AND a trophy well on course for Mourinho’s Tottenham. #LFC #THFC

— Michael Bridge (@MichaelBridge_) December 16, 2020

#4 Curtis Jones offering something different in the Liverpool midfield

Most teams were always going to sit deep against Liverpool this season, and that’s where Curtis Jones’ impact has been visible. Still a work in progress, Jones has offered something different in the midfield three.

The trio of Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, and Jordan Henderson was Klopp’s preferred midfield option last season, but with Fabinho playing at centre-back, Henderson has shifted to a defensive role.

Injuries to Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain thrust Jones into the first-team, and he has added a bit of flair and drive from the midfield. With pace to burn and good technical proficiency, he has been a handful for defenders this season. He often got into some good positions against Spurs.

Mourinho’s side defended with two banks of four and a 4-4-2 setup off the ball, and Jones drove into the half-spaces to trouble the Spurs defence. It will only be a matter of time before he gets on the score-sheet if he keeps up these good displays.

How special was this fella tonight 🔥Superb, @curtisjr_10 👏 pic.twitter.com/5wNNfNGcXv

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 16, 2020

#5 Will Liverpool pull away?

Liverpool, like most teams, have a quick turnaround as they have a tough clash against Crystal Palace in their next game. The three-point lead that they have is the biggest they have managed yet this season, and it gives them something to build on and open up a gap.

The biggest question is: can they finally be more consistent and break away? It’s going to be difficult, especially with resources stretched at the moment.

Klopp will hope that some of his returning first-team players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita can stay fit as injuries are the only thing that can stop them from the looks of it.

Despite being a big advocate of the five-subs rule, Klopp didn’t make one against Spurs. Could that become a factor in the coming month or so? Only time will tell.