Liverpool put on a dominant display at Anfield, securing a 4-2 victory over Tottenham. It was a much-needed win for Liverpool, who had experienced a recent dip in form. The standout performer of the match was Harvey Elliott, who not only scored a sensational goal but also excelled in his overall performance. His technical ability and guile were on full display throughout the game.
The Liverpool defense was solid, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk standing out. Alexander-Arnold’s quality was evident as he delivered inch-perfect crosses and defended well. He even came close to scoring an incredible goal from near the halfway line. Van Dijk, despite operating in second gear, was excellent, effortlessly cruising through proceedings and displaying an impressive range of passing.
In midfield, Wataru Endo played a neat and tidy game, contributing to Liverpool’s dominance and ensuring they won the battle in the middle of the park. However, his season has tailed off after a fantastic spell earlier on. Alexis Mac Allister had a decent showing but struggled to replicate his previous form.
Mohamed Salah responded well to his recent spat with Jurgen Klopp, proving to be a constant threat in the first half. He ran at players, linked up with his teammates, and headed home Liverpool’s opening goal. Luis Diaz showcased his endurance and trickery, attempting acrobatic efforts and dribbling at the Spurs defenders.
Cody Gakpo continued his recent good form, holding the ball up well and providing an assist for Salah’s goal. He then scored a brilliant header to make it 3-0, capping off an impressive performance.
The substitutes made varying impacts on the game. Joe Gomez made a vital goal-line clearance but also fell asleep for Richarlison’s goal. Stefan Bajcetic showed signs of rustiness after returning from injury. Ryan Gravenberch had a disappointing cameo, lacking off-the-ball movement. Darwin Nunez had a forgettable showing, missing a one-on-one opportunity. Dominik Szoboszlai had a limited amount of time on the pitch but had a chance to score.
Jurgen Klopp’s selection for the match was justified, with players like Quansah and Gakpo deserving their starts. The team’s performance was excellent, reminiscent of their earlier-season form. Despite a slight collapse in the second half, this win provided a much-needed boost for Liverpool.
It is bittersweet to acknowledge that this was Klopp’s penultimate home game in charge. The manager knew the importance of putting on a big performance, and the team delivered. With just one more Anfield match left for Klopp, it feels surreal to think about his departure.