Anfield is rocking at the interval after a moment of pure Hungarian magic separated the sides. In a half defined by Arne Slot’s tactical bravery, the Reds have controlled the tempo, eventually finding the breakthrough via a Dominik Szoboszlaidead-ball masterclass.
It’s not been quite the dominant display some Liverpool fans might have been expecting, after Spurs were hit for five against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League mid-week, but it was a confidence-boosting first half all the same.
Liverpool desperately needs these three points to keep up the chase with arch rivals Manchester United, with fellow top-four rivals Aston Villa and Chelsea also slipping up over the weekend.
Here are the ReadLiverpool first half player ratings.
Alisson – 6
Alisson hasn’t been forced into the action too much during the first 45 minutes, having only made one save all match long.
He will hope it’s a straightforward second half as well, as he aims to celebrate his new Liverpool contract with a glorious clean sheet.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 9
Szoboszlai thankfully broke the deadlock when he added to his own personal goal-of-the-season contest with a sumptuous free-kick.
At this point, it’s almost expected that the silky number eight will pull off the audacious in style, as he now sits a stunning four free kicks for the overall season, which is the most ever achieved by a Reds player in a single campaign.
He has further rolled up his sleeve and won 100% of his duels, as a versatile right-back option.
Joe Gomez – 7
Gomez has also looked confident battling away during the contest at Anfield, with all but one of his aerial duels won.
Dominik Solanke and Richarlison have both been kept at an arm’s length, subsequently, as he strives to shut out Igor Tudor’s men all match long.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7
Alongside Gomez in the heart of defence, Van Dijk has also been his assured self so far.
He hasn’t had too much to be concerned about, but he has still gone about his business in a classy manner, having only given up possession three times from his 30 passes out from the back.
Andy Robertson – 7
Robertson was handed a start in place of Milos Kerkez for this showdown with the relegation-threatened visitors, and he has justified his inclusion so far.
Winning every aerial duel that has come his way, the Scotsman will hope he can get in on the goalscoring action in the second half, to mirror Szoboszlai on the right channel.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Gravenberch will also hope he can get more involved in the attacking display as the match chugs along, with only 24 touches of the ball coming his way.
He has shone in a defensive role, though, with 100% of his tackles won.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8
While Gravenberch has stood firm as a midfield anchor during that positive first-half showing, Mac Allister has been offering a lot more in an attacking capacity.
Two key passes have been amassed by the Argentine so far, with two ground duels won further showing off a gritty side to his well-rounded game.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6
Frimpong hasn’t been quite as accurate with the ball at his feet as Liverpool’s surprise starter on the right wing, with zero key passes notched up when bombing forward with pace to burn.
His long-lasting energy should stand him in good stead to be a nuisance when the game starts to have some tired legs emerge.
Florian Wirtz – 6
Chosen as the number ten for this encounter, despite an unmemorable showing against Galatasaray, Wirtz has shown off his clear qualities in spurts against Spurs.
Two key passes have been tallied up, as Liverpool attempts to kill the game with a second goal, but zero efforts of his own making have been registered at Gugilelmo Vicario’s leaky net.
Rio Nguhoma – 8
Nguhoma has looked far more dangerous in the attacking areas than his German teammate, with a dazzling six dribbles successfully pulled off, as the Spurs defenders have been given constant headaches.
Cody Gakpo – 5
While the rest of the side has flourished under the Anfield lights, Cody Gakpo has endured a frustrating opening 45 minutes. Tasked with leading the line in place of the benched Hugo Ekitike, the Dutchman has struggled to impose himself as the focal point of Arne Slot’s attack.
Isolated and off the pace, Gakpo’s half is defined by missed opportunities and a lack of involvement:
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