NO. 2 LIVERPOOL FACE OFF AGAINST NO. 7 TOTTENHAM IN A PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH TO STAY IN THE RACE FOR THE TOP SEED

 By: Katerina Loncar

                                                        Photo By: LiverpoolFC

After a four-game win streak, No. 2 Liverpool tied 2-2 to No. 7 Tottenham in a Premier League Match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 19th for a gain of only 1 point for both teams in the standings.

Liverpool didn’t quite seem like themselves throughout the match and it showed based on the outcome. Tottenham also were at their best when it came down to their finishing. Tottenham had tons more scoring opportunities and Liverpool that weren’t buried away. However, Tottenham had a moment of chemistry which led to the first goal of the match. Passing all the way from the back line, to then finding the through ball to Harry Kane was a classic finish. Few minutes later, Kane went in for a nasty tackle against a Liverpool defender which would later make an impact. Tottenham’s goalkeeper Lloris had a great game coming up big by saving many goal scoring opportunities. Late in the first half, Diogo Jota had a beautiful textbook header to tie the game up 1-1 in the 34’. After many controversial decisions in the first half, Liverpool ended up gaining the lead after Roberston scored off a header in the 69’. Once again, Tottenham had a great team moment in the 73’ by building from the back with quick 1 2s and a through ball with the finish by Son Heung-min to tie it back up.

An unexpected factor coming into this match for Tottenham was that their match vs. Leicester City was postponed due to Covid issues. This meant that Tottenham have not played since they beat Norwich City 3-0 on December 5. Liverpool also experienced a big impact that would further influence the outcome of the match. After a controversial tackle, Robertson at first was given a yellow card but after VAR review, Robertson was then given a red card in the 76’. Liverpool down a man with 13 minutes to go. 

After a very long fought matchup, Liverpool’s Head Coach Jurgen Klopp had a lot to say about the decisions in the calls made by the referees.“I think we all agree that Harry Kane should have seen a red card, and he didn’t.” “The penalty situation: Mr Tierney told me he thought Diogo Jota stopped on purpose, he wanted to get hit... It was a very quick decision from him. It’s a clear penalty but he thought it’s clearly not a penalty – wow. That’s obviously two wrong decisions from him, one right, and all three against us.”  “I have no problems with any referees, only you. You have never played football.” Liverpool’s Head Coach Klopp said. 

Tottenham finds a great amount of success with their through balls in behind the back line. They are also able to create great chances when going down the right wing. Defensively, Tottenham struggle defending against attacks down the wings. As for Liverpool, their strength comes from the wings along with their precise finishing. Liverpool really look to push their outside backs to get forward to create more goal scoring opportunities. Defensively, Liverpool needed to focus on their offside trap along with keeping an eye on Tottenham’s through balls. Both teams carry lots of talent and understand the game on another level.

Liverpool and Tottenham have gained quite a history in recent years. Back in 2019, Tottenham and Liverpool faced head on in the UEFA Champions League Final for the trophy. In the end, Liverpool got to lift the trophy when they beat Tottenham 2-0. This win gave Liverpool their 6th Champions League Title while also shattering Tottenham’s dream of winning their first Champions League Title ever. This memory will forever be in the back of the minds of Tottenham players and their fans’ going into matches against Liverpool.