Liverpool got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday as they secured a 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
The hosts made a bright start to the match and got in front early through Mohamed Salah, who finished after a well-placed clipped pass from Cody Gakpo to the back post. Liverpool continued to look comfortable throughout the first half with Spurs rarely offering much threat, and they doubled their lead when Andy Robertson reacted first to finish off Salah's effort that was parried by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Liverpool maintained momentum after halftime, and soon registered a three-goal lead when Harvey Elliott's cross was turned in by Gakpo's precise header. Elliott was involved again for the fourth goal, which was the moment of the match as the England U-21 player produced an exquisite finish into the top corner from outside of the box.
Tottenham did threaten to get back into it after scoring two within the space of five minutes, but Liverpool's defence were much better from that point to lock up a well-deserved three points.
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Positives
This was a much more familiar Liverpool performance than their draw and loss in their past two games. It might mean little for the Reds with the title out of their hands, but a strong end to the season will bode well for confidence as the transition into the post-Klopp era nears.
Negatives
Liverpool got complacent towards the end of the match as Spurs scored two within five minutes, which saw the wait for a clean sheet go on. The Reds' last Premier League clean sheet was against Nottingham Forest in March.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Jurgen Klopp, 7 -- Klopp's approach made it difficult for Spurs to attack through the middle, and that helped a strong performance from Liverpool. He was also quick to adapt when his side conceded.
Player ratings
GK Alisson Becker, 6 -- There wasn't much for Alisson to do on the day, with Liverpool dominant across the 90 minutes. Conceded two in the second half, but made amends with a strong save against Richarlison in the 88th minute.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 -- A quiet first half with not much to do in terms of defending, but the Liverpool captain organised his team well during Tottenham Hotspur's best spell of the game. Connected with a header late on from a corner but couldn't direct it into a promising area.
DF Jarell Quansah, 7 -- Helped maintain attacks by timing his counter-press into midfield, and was composed in the few moments he was required. Won an important duel with Richarlison in the 85th minute.
DF Andy Robertson, 7 -- Combined well with Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo when moving down the left-flank and doubled Liverpool's lead in the first half by getting himself into the right area.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 -- Alexander-Arnold chose the right moments to come forward with movement that helped create space for promising attacks. He looked sharp in attacking areas, almost catching Vicario out off his line, and then got a vital touch to stop Richarlison striking at goal in the 90th minute.
MF Wataru Endo, 7 -- The Japan international anticipated play impressively and was strong when challenging a ball with a counter-press. He also switched the play well from midfield, including for Liverpool's opener and third effort.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 -- Controlled the game from deeper areas and chose the right moments when to go forward. Always in the right position, and set the tempo in an assured midfield performance.
MF Harvey Elliott, 9 -- Elliott linked well with Mohamed Salah throughout the game, and he got even better in the second half when first picking up an assist for Gakpo before his exquisite effort from outside of the box sealed the game before the hour mark.
FW Cody Gakpo, 8 -- The 24-year-old started centrally but often came out to the left flank, and that is where he registered an excellent assist when cutting in before clipping a perfect ball to the back post for Salah. Another impressive performance by the Netherlands international, who scored Liverpool's third with a well-taken header.
FW Luis Díaz, 7 -- A regular threat for the opposition with his runs carrying the ball, and he was close to getting an assist in the first half when picking out Salah. Also impressed in central areas when interchanging with Gakpo.
FW Mohamed Salah, 8 -- Well-timed runs down the right flank saw Salah make a strong impact when in space, and after almost opening the scoring inside the first 10 minutes, he combined well to finish from Cody Gakpo's cross to the back post. His assist for Harvey Elliott's effort capped off a display in which the 31-year-old was back to his best.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Joe Gomez (Robertson, 64"), 7 -- Introduced for Robertson in the 64th minute and didn't allow much to develop down his side at left-back. Denied Brennan Johnson with a crucial challenge on the ball.
Stefan Bajcetic (Endō, 64"), 6 -- A return to Premier League football for the 19-year-old, who made his first league appearance since March 2023.
Ryan Gravenberch (Mac Allister, 75") N/R -- Close to getting an assist with a clever flick back across the box, but Salah couldn't convert.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Elliott, 83'), N/R -- Worked hard when brought on to prevent any chance of a Spurs comeback. Couldn't get his effort on target from a narrow angle after combining with Salah.
Darwin Núñez (Diaz, 75'), N/R -- Helped maintain Liverpool's press from the front. Tried to pick out Gakpo at the back post in injury time but his cross was blocked by Micky van de Ven. Could have timed his run better seconds later when picking out Salah.