Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Liverpool: 5 hits and flops as Reds make title statement with much-improved show | Premier League 2020-21

Hit: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Firmino was at his creative best once again

On a night where Liverpool's stellar attacking triumvirate clicked once again, Roberto Firmino was the vital cog that made everything work.

He ended his side's eight-hour-long goal-drought with a simple tap-in, whilst also harrying Tottenham defenders with his industry.

The Brazilian often dropped into pockets of space in the backline and made bunnies out of the hosts with quick passes, closing down anyone within sight.

⚽ Roberto Firmino has scored @LFC’s first PL goal in 8 hours & 7 minutes since Sadio Mane v West Brom on December 27. It’s their first goal in 94 attempts since they last scored in the league #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/MioM899Inf

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 28, 2021

He created three chances in the match and laid the most passes in the final third for the Reds, further accentuating his playmaking skills.

Also, Firmino's goal last night was his third consecutive against Tottenham, making him the first Liverpool player since Luis Suarez to accomplish the feat.

Flop: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham's investment in Doherty is yet to bear fruits

A beast at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Matt Doherty is yet to shine in Tottenham colours, but Thursday night was really poor from him.

Starting in an unfamiliar left wing-back role, the Irishman offered little thrust down his flank and often left gaps while trying to drift inside.

After the break, he was moved back into his natural position on the right, but Mane proved to be too hot to handle for him.

With offensive contributions almost non-existent, Doherty came a cropper defensively too. It seems like he's going to take some more time to fully settle in at Spurs.

Hit: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Mane scored and assisted a goal each tonight!

It was turning out to be another frustrating night for the Senegalese ace, who first blazed a good chance wide before missing an one-on-one on the stretch, and was then denied twice by Hugo Lloris.

While it showed a compelling lack of confidence on his part of bury his chances, Sadio Mane didn't give up. The Liverpool forward continued to press and his determination soon paid off.

The assist for Firmino's goal was the turning point for him as the winger went on to create more openings.

🎯 Sadio Mane has scored his first PL away goal at Tottenham, with his 19th attempt in 6 visits. It’s only the second game (out of 14 home & away in all competitions) in which he’s scored against Spurs #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/CnnQqzGTNh

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 28, 2021

His assist for Salah's goal was unfortunately ruled out for a handball in the build-up, but Mane responded by finding the back of the net himself.

The power and precision of the strike totally encapsulated the Liverpool ace's renewed belief and helped put the contest to bed too.