In an action-packed match in London, Tottenham Hotspur drew against second-placed Liverpool. The Reds drop vital points in the Premier League title race as the match ended 2-2.
It was an eventful night as both Harry Kane and Heung-min Son scored for Tottenham, while it was Diogo Jota and Andrew Robertson scored for Liverpool. Robertson was also shown a red card in the second half as the Reds ended the match with 10 men.
There were plenty of talking points from the match including many controversial decisions from the referee. The result meant that Liverpool is now 3 points behind Manchester City in the title race, while Tottenham remains in the 7th position.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-2 LIVERPOOL: TEAM NEWS
It’s been two weeks since Tottenham last played, after having a Covid outbreak among their players and staff. There were changes made by manager Antonio Conte to the lineup from the one that won against Norwich City. Both the wing-backs, Sergio Reguilon and Japhet Tanganga, who started against Norwich were replaced by Ryan Sessegnon and Emerson Royal in the starting eleven.
Pierre-Emile Hojberg was not even present in the squad while both Oliver Skipp and Lucas Moura were not present in the starting eleven. In place of them Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli made it to the team.
While Tottenham seems to be recovering from the Covid cases, Liverpool is reporting new ones. The Reds sported an entirely different team from the one that won against Newcastle United. Both captain Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara were not even in the squad, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was moved to the bench.
In place of them, it was Naby Keita, James Milner and youngster Tyler Morton. It was a first start for the 19-year-old in the Premier League, having previously made a substitute appearance against Arsenal.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-2 LIVERPOOL: MATCH REPORT
The match was extremely entertaining, Liverpool was their usual attacking self, while Tottenham Hotspur was quick and effective in their counterattacks. Both teams created plenty of chances from the start, but it was Spurs who took the lead from a neat finish by Harry Kane in the 13th minute.
It was a relief for Kane who is enduring one of his most difficult seasons for Spurs. The home side looked more likely to score, with Heung-min Son missing an excellent chance two minutes after finding the lead.
The first controversy of the match came in at the 19th-minute mark when Harry Kane fouled Andrew Robertson. It was a clear foul on Robertson which should have been a red card for Kane. However, both the referee and VAR did not seem to think so.
Liverpool levelled the game in the 35th minute from a headed goal by Diogo Jota. Jota was soon brought down inside the Tottenham penalty box but was not awarded a penalty. Both teams continue to create chances but were not able to convert them.
Robertson soon gave Liverpool the lead from a header. But the lead was short-lived when a mistake from Alisson Becker was punished by Son. The Brazilian has been outstanding the whole game, but could not keep hold of the lead at that time.
The final talking point of the game came minutes after the equaliser when Robertson took a wild hit on Emerson. Referee Paul Tierney initially gave the left-back a yellow card, only to change it to a red after reviewing with VAR. After so many events the game ended 2-2 as both sides will look back at the chances they missed during the match.
WHAT NEXT?
There is still a doubt for Liverpool whether they can be ready for the next fixture. The Covid situation meant that manager Jurgen Klopp is with a depleted squad going into Christmas. His immediate attention however will shift to the Carabao Cup, as they face Leicester City in the quarter-finals.
Tottenham is also in the cup as they will face West Ham United next in the quarter-finals. After the cup matches both Tottenham and Liverpool will return to Premier League action at the weekend. Tottenham will face Crystal Palace on boxing day while Liverpool’s opponents are Leeds United.
Follow us on Twitter for more Football News.
