Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham: 3 reasons why Liverpool won the thriller at Anfield

Liverpool ran out winners in the intense encounter

A lucky escape in the dying moments kept Liverpool’s title ambitions intact. The Reds took the lead in the 16th minute through Roberto Firmino from an Andy Robertson cross. But Tottenham prevented further causality and defended well in the first half. The second half saw Spurs playing well in attack and scoring through Lucas Moura in the 70th minute.

But there was some late drama left in the match as Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld turned the ball in his own net in stoppage time. With the exciting win, Liverpool are two points clear at the top of the table. It was not a vintage Liverpool performance but at this stage of the title race, they will take the three points any which way they come. Mohamed Salah was again out of form but his effort which forced Lloris’s error would have given a boost for the next match.

Here are the three reasons why Liverpool came out on top in the thriller:

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#1 The terrific display of the full backs

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were in sublime form throughout the match and were quick to spot an opportunity to cross. Tottenham’s shape allowed the Liverpool full-backs to go full throttle and not worry too much about defending.

Firmino’s header was class but it was Robertson’s pinpoint cross which made that happen. Robertson has been the best left back in the league and that too by a far distance. Alexander almost set up Salah a few minutes later. The switch from left to right and vice versa was so quick that Spurs had no answer for it.

Even in the stoppage time goal, it was the accurate cross to Salah which helped set up the most important goal of Liverpool’s season. Robertson and Arnold are a treat to watch and if Liverpool go on to lift the trophy, their contributions will be talked about a lot.

#2 Van Dijk’s decisiveness

The Dutchman put in a great show

As Liverpool pressed for a winner in the last 20 minutes of the game, they were left exposed at the back and that gave Spurs some moments of confidence. But the wall that is named as Virgil Van Dijk stood tall and prevented any casualty.

Moussa Sissoko was in a two-on-one situation with only Virgil van Dijk between him and the goal and it looked as if Spurs will grab the headline going away from Anfield. But Van Dijk had other plans. He stood his ground and never really allowed Sissoko to look up and find Son with an accurate pass. The pass looked easy at first but we soon realized what a terrific defender Van Dijk is. He forced Sissoko to go towards his weaker left foot which prevented him from scoring a certain goal.

Van Dijk is the difference between Liverpool fighting for a place in the top 4 and Liverpool fighting for the trophy.

#3 Hugo Lloris' error

Another disappointing outing for the guardian

Spurs were equally responsible for Liverpool’s win. France’s World Cup-winning captain Hugo Lloris made a big mistake as he failed to collect a Salah header which forced his own defender to score an own goal.

Considering the standards that Lloris has set for himself, this was a big mistake. He could have palmed the ball away with greater force or else should have at least collected the ball properly as the Salah header didn’t have any real power or a sense of direction. It was just a ball played in the danger area which a goalkeeper with strong hands should be able to stop. Lloris has been making some big-time mistakes and it has put Spurs in danger of losing out on Champions League next season.

Tottenham's defence was good and they could have been little more creative and clinical in their attacking display. Overall it has been a disappointing last 5 games for the Spurs fans.