Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool: player ratings, heroes, villains and man of match from thrilling contest

Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson were on target for the Reds in a fantastic encounter.
Diogo Jota heads home Liverpool’s equaliser against Spurs. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty ImagesDiogo Jota heads home Liverpool’s equaliser against Spurs. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Diogo Jota heads home Liverpool’s equaliser against Spurs. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Liverpool’s eight-match winning streak came to an end as they were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.

In what was a frenetic first half, Spurs broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when Harry Kane fired into the far corner for a maiden home goal of the season.

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But Liverpool got back level on 35 minutes when Diogo Jota steered a header home.

The second half proved just as entertaining and the Reds got themselves in front in the 69th minute when Andy Robertson nodded in from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.

However, Son Heung-min took full advantage of an Alisson Becker blunder to equalise for Spurs five minutes later.

Then there was a huge turning point in the 77th minute as Robertson was given a straight red card after a VAR review.

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But Liverpool held on for a point, although they’ve now given up ground to leaders Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

The heroes

- Son Heung-min: was a pest for Tottenham all game. The South Korea international took full advantage of the high line Liverpool’s defence deployed. He got in behind on several occasions and should have netted in the first half. However, Son’s pressure on Alisson led to him being gifted what’ll be the easiest goal of his season. Man of the match.

- Antonio Conte: Spurs hadn’t played for two weeks and had their previous three games postponed because of COVID-19 cases. However, Tottenham were at it from the start and that’s because of Conte’s tactics. The home side created significantly more clear-cut chances and could feel disappointed not to have taken all three points.

- Diogo Jota: the Portuguese’s influence on this Liverpool side is growing by the game. The way he rose and craned his neck to head home Liverpool’s equaliser was truly outstanding. It was Jota’s 10th league goal of the season and he looks on course to hit the much-coveted 20-goal mark.

Son Heung-Min makes it 2-2 in Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty ImagesSon Heung-Min makes it 2-2 in Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Son Heung-Min makes it 2-2 in Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

The villains

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- Alisson Becker: the Liverpool keeper made a few top-class saves to deny Dele Alli and Kane. However, it was Alisson’s gaffe which ultimately meant the Reds threw away two points. All he needed to do when he came sliding out of his goal was to make contact on the ball. Instead, a swipe at thin air allowed Son a tap-in.

- Mo Salah: Liverpool’s talisman has been due an off day given his ridiculous form this season. Still, Salah scarcely impacted the game when they needed him and his performance was summed up when an attempted header at the back post hit his arm. Luckily, Robertson soon spared Salah’s blushes.

- Paul Tierney: the referee’s performance will indeed be scrutinised at the final whistle as there were plenty of talking points. There was an argument Kane should have been sent off for a foul on Robertson in the first half and then a case to be made for Jota to be awarded a penalty. In the second half, Salah’s handball could well have been given. And did Robertson’s tackle deserve a red card? Many will disagree.

Player ratings

Liverpool: Alisson 5, Alexander-Arnold 7, Konate 7, Matip 6, Robertson 6, Morton 5 (Firmino 60; 6), Milner 6, Keita 6, Salah 5, Jota 7, Mane 6 (Tsimikas 82)

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Tottenham: Lloris 6, Emerson 6, Sanchez 6, Dier 6, Davies 6, Sessegnon 6 (Reguilon 87) Winks 6, Ndombele 7 (Skipp; 74), Dele 6 (Moura 81), Kane 7, Son 8.

What’s next for Liverpool

The Reds turn their attention to the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool play Leicester in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday and a win will move them one victory away from Wembley.