The importance of this match cannot be underestimated; both teams have plenty to play for, but on different scales. Tottenham are hoping to cling on to third place, while Liverpool are hoping to finish in a European spot. Most would say Europa League, yet there are a small pocket of optimistic Liverpool fans who reserve hopes of Champions League Football. Only a few though. Andre Villas-Boas’ side have not lost in eleven games in the Premier League, and they hoped to further this record today at Anfield. Meanwhile Liverpool have kept six clean sheets in their last eight games at Anfield: a very promising statistic.
Much of the attention before kick-off was between the two talismanic players, Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez, however it was a landmark for Jamie Carragher that caught my attention; his 500th league game for the club. An exceptional achievement which marks him out as a leader and a legend. Pepe Reina injured himself while warming up, so Brad Jones stepped into the side. The Liverpool line-up was very attacking, with the likes of the Brazilian playmaker Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge starting. While Aaron Lennon missed out for Spurs.
Liverpool started sharply in the opening minutes and pressed effectively, responding to the buzzing atmosphere and anticipation surrounding the game. Daniel Sturridge had two half-chances which could have resulted in a goal, but he cannot be blamed for not converting either. A Gareth Bale free-kick swerved and dipped but Jones stood strong, parrying away and slightly calming Liverpool’s nerves. Spurs grew into the game, despite not creating much. Philippe Coutinho looked lively and bright, likewise for Luis Suarez. An attack down the left looked promising, and as the pressure grew from Liverpool, Enrique linked up with Coutinho and played a delightful ball to Suarez who poked past the onrushing Hugo Lloris. A classy goal from Liverpool, which could be an indicator for things to come in the future.
Liverpool’s confidence grew. Gerrard’s sublime through ball to Suarez played the Uruguayan in on goal, but an awkward angle advantaged Lloris and he palmed the shot away to safety. There was a case for a penalty when Walker pulled back Coutinho from knocking in the rebound to a Suarez effort. Not many chances followed, with possession being shared amongst both teams, until Bale’s fantastic flick set up Gylfi Sigurdsson, who stroked wide with only Jones to beat. Neither team dominated, but Liverpool began to sit back, allowing Spurs to advance forward. Tottenham’s momentum and composure paid dividends on the stroke of half time, as Bale’s fantastic cross presented Jan Vertonghen with a header on goal, which bounced past the helpless Jones. It was all to play for in the second half.
The second half’s subdued atmosphere compounded Liverpool’s sloppy performance in the opening stages. A debatable and controversial free-kick produced Tottenham’s second goal of the game; some poor defending leading to a smart finish from Vertonghen again. Liverpool looked out of ideas and motivation as they attempted to regain some control, while Spurs took the initiative. A typical powerful, surging run and a fine cross from Bale gave unmarked Sigurdsson another chance to score, but this time he hit the post via a deflection from Glen Johnson. Tottenham were taking the game to the hosts.
Brendan Rodgers sensed the danger of a third and brought on the much scrutinized Joe Allen in place of Coutinho, who had faded out of the game after a promising start. A powerful strike from Dembele was parried away by Jones as the Liverpool fans voiced their concerns over the lack of progression from a suddenly lacklustre Liverpool performance. The complexion of the game switched dramatically as a stroke of luck favoured Liverpool. Lloris misjudged a slack Walker back pass and was stranded as Downing composed himself enough to fire between the legs of Vertonghen into the bottom of the net.
The game was now end-to-end football, great for the neutral viewer. Downing’s deep cross was met by an out of sorts Sturridge, but he could only head into the side netting from a wide angle. The chances dried up towards the end of the game, until the 80th minute, where a clumsy challenge from Assou-Ekotto felled Suarez, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Steven Gerrard stepped up and did a captain’s job, calmly slotting home with a jubilant Kop watching. Liverpool had turned the game on its head. The remaining minutes were relatively comfortable as Tottenham tired, and the final whistle was greeted by a sense of satisfaction and joy from the Liverpool fans.
