In a flash, the items lastly clicked collectively.
It took lower than six seconds for ’s £300m trio to tear by means of Tottenham’s 10 males after ’s careless cross from defence. regarded up and picked out , instantly free within the area he has spent a lot time looking for. Wirtz took a contact and sensed the run instantly, producing the cross. And there was , supplying the motion and the first-time end, in addition to the ruthlessness Liverpool wished once they smashed their switch file to signal him.
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After which, like a window that closed as shortly because it had opened, a imaginative and prescient of Liverpool’s future disappeared.
Isak, upon scoring simply his second Premier League purpose since his file £125m from Newcastle, was clattered into by Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven. The striker’s face revealed the rapid concern, as did the sight of Liverpool’s gamers reducing their celebrations quick. As quickly as Isak had carry off, he was grounded once more. On as a half-time substitute, he limped off 10 minutes later with an ankle harm that would sideline him for the foreseeable future.
Isak was helped off after scoring Liverpool’s opening purpose at Tottenham (AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Ekitike’s towering header to double Liverpool’s lead urged the champions nonetheless have a goalscorer. The Frenchman’s fifth purpose in three Premier League video games ended up being decisive for Arne Slot’s aspect as they held on towards the nine-man hosts, who had been diminished in quantity first by Xavi Simmons’s first-half crimson card, had been then rallied by Richarlison’s late end, and diminished additional by Romero’s even later crimson for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate.
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One other improved efficiency from Wirtz, who registered his first Premier League help in the end, was one other constructive as Liverpool enter a interval with out Mohamed Salah and their ahead choices diminished. However the prospect of Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz working in tandem to revive a troublesome season stays, for now, solely a glimpse.
The explanation Isak was referred to as upon at half-time got here right down to Liverpool needing to exert extra authority on a recreation that was passing them by till Simmons’ straight-red card for catching Liverpool captain, and Simmons’ Netherlands worldwide team-mate, Virgil van Dijk. Till then, Tottenham had been the higher aspect, providing extra menace than the guests, however they discovered a technique to condemn themselves to a twelfth house league defeat of 2025.
And Simons’s problem was on one hand brainless, along with his raised studs catching Van Dijk on the calf, and on the opposite sadly mistimed. In actual time, and within the stadium, it didn’t really feel forceful. However, when you noticed the replays and the frozen picture of the place his studs landed, and as soon as John Brooks was despatched to the pitchside monitor, the crimson card felt inevitable.
(REUTERS)
When it got here and the replays had been proven within the stadium to howls from the house supporters, they and Frank had been united of their anger. A group and its fanbase that has so typically felt disconnected at house turned fuelled by its frustration. The Tottenham gamers who’ve taken to strolling off at half-time as a group to show a way of togetherness did so to the sound of boos. For as soon as, the boos weren’t directed at them.
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On the similar time, Isak started his warm-up. He changed proper again Conor Bradley, who additionally limped off after clashing with team-mate Curtis Jones whereas trying to cease Djed Spence within the field. Tottenham wished a penalty however the foul went towards Spence. However it reduce Bradley’s night quick and provides Slot one other health problem, to a different injury-prone participant, to take care of over the festive interval.
Isak’s header was wanted after Tottenham had been diminished to 9 gamers however rallied late on (Liverpool FC by way of Getty Photos)
And for Slot, that features Isak as nicely. His disrupted spell since forcing by means of a transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool on deadline day may now embrace extra accidents than targets. Ekitike should lead the road for a short while longer however seems to thrive with the duty.
How Liverpool ended up needing his purpose on 66 minutes after Richarlison, improbably, pulled one again for Spurs along with his newest purpose towards Liverpool. It sparked, improbably, a late surge. Even after captain Romero’s mindless kick at Konate, decreasing Tottenham to 9, Liverpool required Alisson’s secure arms to disclaim Pedro Porro.
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In that wild final interval Liverpool lack management and composure. There was far an excessive amount of drama for a recreation they need to have seen out. They’ll now, additionally, be with out the central a part of its new-look assault, simply because it had fired into life.