After a bit of a frantic start, Liverpool outlasted Tottenham Hotspur’s press, found rhythm, and opportunities but could not quite close out the match, settling for a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
Despite outplaying Spurs for the majority of the game, the Reds faded a bit and allowed a late leveler.
Whilst a draw in the fourth away match in a row against a current Champions League side is not a terrible result, this felt more like two points lost rather than one point gained.
Opting for the now well-known, nearly strikerless side, Liverpool eventually seized the advantage in the capital and had their chances. Yet they could not quite make it count.
In truth, Spurs did not play well and Liverpool did not punish them. The Reds played well but simply were not clinical enough to dismiss Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Chances were there to be taken, which makes for an encouraging but ultimately disappointing draw.
Here are four findings from the match:
Massive Mane
Sadio “The Difference” Mane is rapidly proving to be Liverpool’s talisman. When the Senegalese international is on the pitch, the Reds possess and instant threat. The fear he strikes in opposing defences is unlike anything Liverpool have offered since the departure of Luis Suarez.
Against Spurs, he showed the quality that is making him look like the bargain of the summer. Pace simply cannot be created and Mane has loads with skills to match. Twice, he forced Michael Vorm to make pinpoint tackles away from his goal line to save Spurs from blushes. Jurgen Klopp may claim that his side does not need “gold dust” because he may believe he already has it in Mane.
So key has his presence been to the side that almost all anyone can think about is what happens when he does not play. His first half yellow card sent slight concerns but an extended departure for AFCON duty in January already has supporters concerned.
Mindful Matip
Unfortunate with pre-season injury, Joel Matip has finally featured in consecutive matches. Another one of the manager’s summer signings, the Cameroonian carries himself with a welcome calmness at the back. His sheer size benefits the defence, especially against ariel attacks, but his coolness on the ball is also an asset.
Against Spurs, a team that seems to have size all over the pitch, Matip provided some much-needed security defensively from set plays. He also gives another target for attacking corners, even coming close to nodding one past Vorm.
It is early days for the new centre-halve but the indicators are positive. Given the composure he already displays, it is hard to think he will not grow even more so into his Reds career.
Coutinho Conundrum
Considerable pre-match talk suggested the Philippe Coutinho would miss this match with hamstring concerns. Yet, he made the starting lineup, completing a front three with Mane and Roberto Firmino. However, whether that was the best decision is a legitimate question.
The little magician lacked some of his typical charm against Spurs. He twice failed to put the home side to the sword, squandering two excellent opportunities. Of course, players will miss but the first of the chances has to be goal. It was an early opportunity to get on top of the hosts and wrench control of the match.
The second chance was not nearly as gilt-edged and much more forgivable, although he tried shaping his shot. Perhaps the frustration comes from his penchant for blamming it and missing from 30 yards, instead of trying to put his foot through it inside the six-yard box. It may seem harsh but Coutinho must take steps forward for Liverpool reach their aspirations.
Missing Mentality?
This squad requires patience, there is no doubt about that. Klopp has yet to get all of his first choice players on the pitch at the same time. So what the side is capable of doing is only even visible in brief flashes. However, the concern is whether or not these players have the single-minded ruthlessness to achieve their ambitions. Only Klopp knows.
In attack, the only clear top-quality finisher is Daniel Sturridge, who seems locked in a battle of trust and confidence with the gaffer. Everyone else is an attacker who may have goals in them but they are not out-and-out goalscorers. That fact cost them this match, where they could potentially have scored three or four from the run of play but settled for a penalty. Even more interesting was just how many attackers were on the pitch, yet the midfielder playing fullback took the penalty.
In defence, this side currently seems incapable of keeping a clean sheet against quality opposition. James Milner at left-back is a stop-gap, at best, and whether Alberto Moreno is a long-term answer is unknown. There is a clear weakness that is routinely targeted and was exposed again for the tying goal. Plus, centre-half partnerships have yet to fully factor. It remains unclear if the squad is capable of being solid enough to truly challenge.