Finally, Liverpool rediscovered their form to earn their first league win of the new year. The Reds put in a near-perfect performance at Anfield to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0.
Right from the first whistle Liverpool looked determined to start strong and get on top of Spurs. Things could not have gone more to plan, as the Sadio Mane scored twice inside three minutes to finish a flurry of attacking play that reminded everyone in the ground of the club’s Autumn form.
The visitors received more than they could handle on Merseyside as the Reds ran riot in the first 45 minutes and they could easily have headed into half time with this match all but finished.
Despite Liverpool’s inability to score again, the second half saw few changes in the dominant display from the home side. Spurs did not play particularly well but that takes nothing away from Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp has to be pleased with the way his team played in response to last week’s defeat to Hull City. The minor changes he made to the starting eleven saw dividends. Unlike the glimmers visible against Chelsea, this showing was far more emphatic with the tempo and touch that has been missing for over a month.
Now they must carry this momentum int their next match against Leicester City.
Here are four findings from the match.
Reds Run Riot
There was a noticeable difference in Liverpool’s play immediately. The Reds came out flying with a level of intensity that has been somewhat absent of late. Of course, it has been easier for them to get up for the top teams but this was different.
For the first 25 minutes, Spurs simply could not cope with the pressure Liverpool provided. Mane very nearly finished the first half with a hat-trick as he tormented Ben Davies down the right side. Yet it was not just Mane who shone as the front six all contributed in various capacities.
Sadio's Strikes
If anyone needed proof of just how much Liverpool missed Mane, this match was Exhibit A in making that case. A late substitution against Chelsea and possibly the only Red to play well against Hull, the Senegalese attacker soared and the rest of his team kept pace.
His first goal showed the pace and quality Liverpool lacked in his absence, as he outran the Spurs back line on a blazing diagonal run through the middle of the pitch before delivering an exquisite falling away finish.
Only a couple minutes later, he reminded everyone of his technical class when he volleyed another home, capping a rampant sequence of play. Only Hugo Lloris palming away a stinging shot stopped the striker from going home with the match ball.
Validating Wijnaldum
The decision to start the struggling Emre Can over Gini Wijnaldum last week against Hull raised more than a few questions.
It had become beyond obvious that pairing Can with Jordan Henderson in midfield was not working. Wijnaldum brings a bit more pace and deftness of touch than Can and both of these attributes were on display, combined with remarkable vision, when he found Mane for the first goal.
The Dutchman thrived against Spurs, helping Liverpool dominate the midfield. As Henderson played deeper and Adam Lallana buzzed about, Wijnaldum found the in-between spaces to both shut down, as well as exploit. This was one of his most accomplished performances of the season.
Confident Coutinho
It is fair to say that since returning from injury, Philippe Coutinho had yet to find any form. Not only did he lack speed and sharpness, his confidence was clearly lacking. The little magician lingered on the ball a little too long, lashing shots from distance despite not being completely dialed in. However, Spurs saw the Brazilian on his way back.
Coutinho caused considerably more havoc on the left side, finding fellow countryman Roberto Firmino in a number of combinations that suggests perhaps both players may be finding their way back to their best.
There is still room to improve but there was a zip to their play that helped push the whole team forward and maintain Spurs’ struggles.