Liverpool survived a chaotic finish to beat nine-man Tottenham 2-1, as Hugo Ekitike’s match-winning header followed a bittersweet opening goal and subsequent injury to substitute Alexander Isak.
The match was marred by dismissals for Tottenham’s Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero, while Liverpool also had to contend with an injury to goalscorer Isak.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (6): The goalkeeper was largely a spectator for much of the game after Tottenham’s early dismissal, but he was unable to maintain a clean sheet as Richarlison struck late. While he stayed focused during Spurs’ desperate late surges, he wasn’t called upon to make any trademark world-class saves, as Liverpool’s defensive struggles in the final ten minutes were more down to structural lapses than individual goalkeeping errors.
Conor Bradley (6): Returning to the side, the youngster put in a tenacious defensive shift and even made a goal-saving block early on against Kolo Muani. However, he struggled to provide a consistent creative spark going forward against a compact Spurs block. He was eventually replaced at the interval as Arne Slot opted for a more offensive configuration to break the deadlock in a stale first half.
Ibrahima Konate (5): This was a disappointing performance for the Frenchman, who appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable in several key moments. He was caught out of position during the build-up to Tottenham’s goal and was the target of a petulant kick from Cristian Romero late on. His lack of concentration during the closing stages nearly allowed the nine-man hosts to snatch an unlikely point in North London.
Virgil van Dijk (7): The skipper was the calming influence at the heart of the defense, notably remaining composed after being on the receiving end of the studs-up challenge that saw Xavi Simons sent off. He marshaled the line well for 80 minutes and dominated his aerial duels, though even he found it difficult to organize his teammates during the frantic and disorganized final sequence of the match.
Milos Kerkez (6): The left-back showed plenty of attacking intent, linking up well with the forward line during Liverpool’s periods of dominance. While he was direct and willing to overlap, his final delivery lacked the precision needed to unlock a stubborn defense. Defensively, he was steady for the most part but found himself pinned back as Tottenham threw everything forward in the dying minutes.
Curtis Jones (6): Filling a central role, Jones was industrious but failed to truly dictate the rhythm of the game. He was guilty of a lapse in possession that led to a dangerous Tottenham counter-attack late in the second half. While his work rate remained high, he lacked the incisive passing quality required to slice through a defense that was playing with its back against the wall.
Ryan Gravenberch (5): This was a rare “off-day” for the Dutch midfielder, who struggled to impose his physical presence on the contest. He was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and was bypassed too easily by Tottenham’s midfield runners. His inability to control the center of the pitch was a key reason why Liverpool looked so unsettled once the home side began to press for an equalizer.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6): The Hungarian worked tirelessly in the high press but struggled to find his creative range. His performance was marred by a yellow card that will see him miss the upcoming clash against Wolves through suspension. While he provided a few dangerous set-piece deliveries, his overall influence on the game was limited compared to his usual high standards in the attacking third.
Alexis Mac Allister (7): Operating in a slightly more advanced role, the Argentine was the most composed player in Liverpool’s midfield. He was instrumental in winning the ball back that led to the opening goal and provided the tactical discipline that his partners lacked. His intelligence in transition was vital in ensuring the Reds capitalized on their numerical advantage for most of the second half.
Florian Wirtz (7): The summer signing showed flashes of his immense quality, particularly when he provided the perfectly weighted assist for Alexander Isak’s opener. While he still seems to be adjusting to the pace of the Premier League, his vision and ability to find space between the lines were crucial in breaking down a Tottenham side that had defended deep for an hour.
Hugo Ekitike (7): Continuing his sensational form, Ekitike was the standout performer on the pitch. After a quiet first half, he became the focal point of every attack, eventually outmuscling Romero to power home a brilliant winning header. His clinical edge and physical presence proved to be the difference, cementing his status as Liverpool’s most important attacking outlet in the absence of Mohamed Salah.
SUBSTITUTES:
Alexander Isak (7): The Swede made an instant impact off the bench, scoring with a clinical finish just eleven minutes after his introduction. However, the moment was bittersweet as he sustained a concerning ankle injury in the act of scoring, forcing him back off the field after only a brief but decisive cameo that highlighted his importance to the squad.
Jeremie Frimpong (7): Replacing the injured Isak, the winger looked sharp and provided the cross that led to Ekitike’s winning goal. His pace stretched the tiring Spurs defense, though he was surprisingly substituted late in the game after a heated exchange with Richarlison. Despite the early exit, his contribution was vital in securing the three points.
Arne Slot (7): The manager took a calculated risk with his starting XI and recognized the need for change at half-time. His decision to introduce Isak was inspired, but the defensive fragility shown against nine men will be a concern. “Until 60, 65 minutes, I really, really, really enjoyed what I saw,” Slot remarked, acknowledging that the final scoreline masked a nervy finish.