Three Stars: Tottenham Hotspurs (H)
Liverpool. Are. Back!
The all-firing, guns blazing, red hot Reds that entertained us throughout the season are back with a bang!
Speed, dynamism, pressing, and goals. This was a performance that showed the fans and the rest of the league that Liverpool can beat anyone on their day.
Every player on the pitch was outstanding from start to finish and this was a professional display reminiscent of the Reds’ other displays against the top six.
Simon Mignolet justified his starting position, the defence were resolute, the midfield were clicking and the attack was potent.
Yes, Liverpool should be able to do this against the weaker teams more often and yes they’ve had a bad run but with 16 days until their next match against Leicester, Jürgen Klopp can have time to rest the squad and get them ready to go again in the league.
In a match filled with top class performances across the pitch, here are the three players who I thought stood out:
Sadio Mané
Wow what a performance from this man!
He would have had a hat-trick in under five minutes if not for Hugo Lloris. Mané showed us exactly what Liverpool have been missing for so long. Pace and power will frighten any backline and that is exactly what he did. The finish for both goals looked like those of a natural striker.
11 Premier League goals and Liverpool’s top scorer, long may it continue!
Georginio Wijnaldum
This was probably his best performance in a Red shirt. If not for Mané, he would have been named as the Man of the Match.
His assist for the opening goal was sublime and his movement and control of the ball was top class. He was Liverpool’s Player of the Month in January and he continued his good form against Spurs.
If he keeps going like this, he’ll keep Emre Can out of the midfield for the rest of the season.
Jordan Henderson
It was hard picking a third star but Jordan Henderson couldn’t go unnoticed.
His tackling and passing in the middle of the pitch were outstanding and he gave the back four the protection it needed to gain a well-deserved clean sheet. He was starting counter attacks, winning possession in crucial areas and being the leader Liverpool needed in the middle of the park. Scintillating display.