Liverpool defeated Tottenham 4–2 at Anfield, condemning the visitors to their fourth straight defeat and ending any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
The Reds dominated the first hour of play. Andrew Robertson added a second goal just before halftime, and Mohamed Salah, who had been out of the team after his altercation with Jurgen Klopp on the touchline against West Ham, put the team ahead early.
Following the half, Cody Gakpo nodded in Liverpool’s third goal, and shortly after, Harvey Elliott punished more shoddy Tottenham defending with a magnificent long-range goal.
Heung-Min Son and substitute Richarlison both scored goals as Ange Postecoglou’s team came back to cut the lead in half.
Ultimately, though, it was just another terrible afternoon for Spurs, who now sit seven points behind fourth-place Aston Villa with three games remaining in the Premier League—their first four-game losing streak in 20 years.
The outcome at least gives Liverpool, who are currently in third place and out of the title race, optimism for a successful conclusion to manager Klopp’s final season.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to Sky Sports:
“We are outstanding until we are not.
“It was a really good game. Tottenham can put pressure on Aston Villa again for the Champions League. In high performance things, you need a spark. I would say three points is enough and the boys thought that.
“Anfield was a special place today. We were 4-0 up, I made the changes and we lost organisation. Tottenham showed how good they could be. I was happy with the performance.
“We were good in pretty much all areas offensively. The passes were good. So many things were good. We stayed calm. As long as they don’t break the lines then it’s fine, let them pass. I liked our game a lot. The goals were outstanding.”
On Mohamed Salah’s performance: “Mo was outstanding, he played a really good game. His side with Harvey was good. I was pleased for him.
“None of the boys want to play not great, why would they? Mo showed what he is capable of.
“You do it when you do it and if you miss it, then you miss it. If we win all three then we can achieve the fifth highest points tally of Liverpool.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou to Sky Sports:
“Obviously a hugely disappointing outcome for us but at least we were more like ourselves today in terms of our football.
Our last two away games at Newcastle and Chelsea, apart from the results which weren’t great either, we just didn’t try and play our football.
“I thought today, even in the first half, some of our football, our pressing was back to where it should be.”
On whether Spurs have a confidence problem: “Maybe in the front third there is.
“It probably is a bit of a lack of confidence but again that’s something the guys have to work through.
“You have to find a way to overcome that because ultimately if you don’t put pressure on the opposition in the front third after you’ve worked your way up there, they’re going to get comfortable with their position.”
On May 13, Monday Night Football will feature Liverpool against Aston Villa. On Sunday, May 19, Wolves will play at Anfield in Jurgen Klopp’s farewell game as manager.
Tottenham needs to win three games to guarantee their spot in Europe the following year. On Saturday, May 11, they will face Burnley, and on Tuesday, May 14, title-chasing Manchester City will pay them a visit. On May 19, Spurs play Sheffield United to wrap up the season.
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