Liverpool surges to the top with late victory over Spurs

Peter Powell / Pool via AP

It was a top of the table battle, which saw Roberto Firmino snatch a late winner against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. 

The Brazilian forward secured victory with a thumping header just before the 90th minute, which has sent the Reds clear at the top over their competitors. 

After controlling the game early, Mohamed Salah opened the scoring with a fortunate deflection off Toby Alderweireld on 26 minutes. Liverpool continued to command the game but was stunned as Heung Min Son took advantage of a lapse in concentration with a comfortable finish past Allison.

Both teams had their fair share of chances in the second half as Liverpool maintained their control of possession. Spurs winger Steven Bergwijn and Sadio Mane both had shots ricochet off the woodwork, with Harry Kane missing a golden opportunity with a lackluster header into the ground. 

However, Bobby Firimino took his chance, connecting with an Andy Robertson cross in the final seconds before stoppage time. 

After the final whistle, there was controversy with what seemed to be an awkward confrontation between Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho. The Spurs manager was unhappy with the result, saying after the game to Amazon Prime, “I told him the best team lost.”

Mourinho criticised what he feels is a double standard between how officials treat him compared to Klopp. 

“If I behaved the way on the touchline like he does, I have no chance to stay there,” he said.

He continued his attack, saying, “For some reason, I am different. And that’s that.” 

With all the injuries Liverpool has faced this season, they surprisingly sit three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur on 28 points. The league leaders now meet Crystal Palace in London on Saturday at 11.30 pm (AEDT).

Turning our heads to London, Arsenal ended their three-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Southampton at the Emirates. West Ham and Crystal Palace also ended in a stalemate as Sebastien Haller ruled out Christian Benteke’s opener with a bicycle kick. Leeds dispatched Newcastle 5-2, Fulham and Brighton had a goalless draw, and Everton knocked over Leicester away from home to win 2-0.