Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Liverpool: 5 talking points as the champions find their groove | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Tottenham were the architects of their own downfall

Individual defensive errors from Tottenham allowed Liverpool to score three goals tonight.

Liverpool might’ve deserved their win tonight, but it’s safe to say that all three of their goals were basically gift-wrapped by some truly awful defending by Tottenham.

Jose Mourinho’s side looked solid in the first half, until some miscommunication from Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris allowed what was a relatively weak cross from Sadio Mane to find Roberto Firmino for Liverpool’s first goal.

The second was largely caused by more poor goalkeeping from Lloris, who pushed a shot directly into Trent Alexander-Arnold's path.

And finally, the third goal was entirely the fault of Joe Rodon, who allowed a pass from Alexander-Arnold to float past him and directly into the path of Mane.

Considering how solid Tottenham have looked at the back this season, to see them fall apart in this way was a major surprise. Sure, Liverpool put them under plenty of pressure, but they were also allowed far more room than any other side Tottenham have faced this season.

There can be no doubt that Jose Mourinho will be furious about this showing – so perhaps it’s time to re-introduce Toby Alderweireld into the starting XI?

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#4 Can Liverpool now catch Manchester City at the top?

Can Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool now catch Manchester City at the top of the Premier League?

After tonight’s result, the top of the Premier League table remains insanely close. Manchester City are at the top with 41 points, while Manchester United sit one behind them on 40. Leicester City are in third with 39, while Liverpool are just behind them with 37.

Even fifth-placed West Ham – on 35 points – and Tottenham, who are on 33, can’t really be discounted, particularly as the latter side have a game in hand on all but City.

Despite this, it still feels like the title race will probably come down to City and Liverpool for the third season in a row. So can Liverpool catch Manchester City?

Well, based on tonight’s result, they’re definitely back on top form. And with Liverpool playing West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion next, while City take on Sheffield United and Burnley, it’s easy to imagine both sides taking maximum points going into their big showdown on February 7th.

Essentially then, that clash could well decide who has all of the momentum going into the latter part of the 2020-21 campaign.

Could an outsider still come through? Absolutely, but suddenly, the title is starting to feel eerily familiar. Bring on February 7th.

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#5 Tottenham should be very worried about Harry Kane’s injury

How will Tottenham cope without Harry Kane?

Tottenham’s defending was woeful tonight, but their biggest worry should probably center on their star striker Harry Kane.

The England captain was substituted at half-time tonight, and according to Jose Mourinho, both of his ankles are injured, and he may be out for a couple of weeks.

If that’s the case, then judging by tonight, not only is Tottenham’s title challenge over, but their hopes of finishing in the top four could go down the drain as well.

As soon as Kane was substituted, Tottenham looked absolutely impotent in attack and were unable to create any chances in the second half. Sure, they scored through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but that was the kind of goal a side can score once in a season, not every week.

Son Heung-min – moved into a central position – appeared to vanish, while Kane’s replacement Erik Lamela was completely anonymous. Meanwhile, Gareth Bale had to wait until the last ten minutes to come on and failed to make an impact when he did.

Kane has been on incredible form this season, scoring 12 Premier League goals while registering 11 assists. With him on the pitch, Tottenham always look dangerous.

Without their talisman, though? Other attackers need to step up to the forefront and whether they can do that is a question mark. This is a worrying time for Tottenham fans indeed.