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Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham: Roberto Firmino's late winner sends Reds clear of Spurs at top

By Phil McNultyChief football writer at Anfield

Last updated on .From the section Premier Leaguecomments3467

Roberto Firmino's last-minute header broke Tottenham's stubborn resistance at Anfield and sent Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table.

An entertaining encounter looked set to end in stalemate before - with the game entering stoppage time - Firmino soared to flash a header high past Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris from Andrew Robertson's corner.

Liverpool flew at Spurs in the opening exchanges and went ahead when Mohamed Salah's shot took a big deflection off Eric Dier and looped over Lloris.

Spurs had barely left their own half but struck with a counter punch seven minutes later when Son Heung-min raced clear to slip a composed finish past Alisson.

Spurs actually had the better chances in the second half, with Steven Bergwijn firing wide then hitting a post when clean through and Harry Kane heading over from point-blank range.

Manager Jose Mourinho was left to regret those missed opportunities as a late Liverpool surge ended with Firmino's winner to send the defending champions three points clear at the top of the table and inflict Spurs' first Premier League loss since the opening weekend home defeat against Everton.

Poignant Anfield night ends in triumph

Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham: Jurgen Klopp pleased with side's late victory

This was the night Anfield paid tribute to former manager Gerard Houllier who died aged 73 this week.

There were poignant moments with a minute's applause before kick-off and those fans gathered on The Kop sang the songs they used to sing to celebrate the Frenchman's success.

Liverpool's players paid their own tribute with a display that started in blistering fashion as a succession of chances were created, then showed grit and resilience to fashion the three points as Spurs threatened after the break.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was animated, even by his standards, raging at the officials on numerous occasions before celebrating wildly with his players and The Kop at the final whistle.

After a lacklustre performance at Fulham, this was the perfect response as they returned to familiar territory at the top of the table.

Spurs denied at the end

Harry Kane puts his hands on his head after missing a chance at Liverpool
Spurs have lost 2-1 to late winners on each of their past three visits to Anfield

Spurs were left bitterly disappointed and deflated as they were sunk by a late goal at Anfield once again - their frustration made even more acute by the golden chances they missed to secure a statement victory and end a Liverpool unbeaten home sequence in the league that now stretches to 66 games.

Bergwijn squandered two opportunities to score with only Alisson to beat then Kane somehow directed a header down and over the top at The Kop end, holding his head in disbelief.

When the dust settles, Mourinho will feel Spurs showed why they are currently one of the top two sides in the country as they survived that Liverpool assault to open up the opportunities to actually win.

The last time Mourinho managed a side at Anfield, a 3-1 defeat when he was in charge of Manchester United in December 2018 saw him sacked 24 hours later. Here at Spurs, he is in charge of a developing side that will certainly contest places at the top end of the table this season.

'Jose told me that the better team lost' - what they said

Liverpool boss Klopp: "It was just a really good game against a counter-attacking monster, the possession we had we did incredibly well. The best way to defend Tottenham is to keep the ball all the time.

"Yes, they have scored a goal and had two chances. Apart from that, we controlled the game and it is a massively deserved three points. I am happy. For me, it [the Spurs goal] is offside. They watch it 20 times, but when I saw it, it is offside.

"I am so happy we scored that goal because it felt like 70% of the ball against a top side. Bobby [Firmino], what a header. I am over the moon for him. What a game he played, those movements, he opens up all the other gaps."

On exchange with Mourinho after the final whistle: "Jose told me 'the better team lost'. I thought he was joking, but he wasn't."

Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham: Jose Mourinho says Spurs deserved more from defeat

Spurs boss Mourinho: "We were playing to win, we were not playing to get a point. A point would have been quite a fair result but we played to win and had the biggest chances to win it. The moment of the occasions and the reaction they had, they were in trouble.

"I feel it was a very undeserved result, but that's football. At half-time we move the pieces a little bit, but overall the game was always under control and I am very pleased with the performance.

"The changes were to find counter-attack situations which we did immediately, but with Gio's [Lo Celso] yellow card and the incredible pressure these guys on the touchline put on the officials, I was afraid of the yellow card and I had to take him off. I am not the one to speak to my colleagues about their behaviour on the touchline."

Reds continue to frustrate Spurs - the stats

  • Tottenham have won just one of their past 27 Premier League away games against Liverpool (D8 L18), last winning there in May 2011.
  • Tottenham have only conceded more Premier League goals against Chelsea (102) than they have against Liverpool (97).
  • This was Tottenham's first Premier League defeat in 12 Premier League games (W7 D4), since a 0-1 loss to Everton in September.
  • Mourinho has never won away against Klopp in six attempts in all competitions (D2 L4), with Klopp being the manager he's faced the most away from home without ever tasting victory.
  • Son has scored 11 goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season, equalling his goal tally from the entire 2019-20 campaign (11 in 30).
  • Twenty of Tottenham's 25 Premier League goals this season have been scored by either Son (11) or Kane (9).
  • Salah now has eight goals against Tottenham in all competitions - against no other side has he scored more in his club career in European football (level with Bournemouth and Watford).

What's next?

Liverpool visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday (12:30 GMT) while Tottenham host Leicester City on Sunday (14:15).

Player of the match

Roberto FirminoRoberto Firmino

with an average of 8.06

Liverpool

  1. Squad number9Player nameRoberto Firmino
    Average rating

    8.06

  2. Squad number26Player nameRobertson
    Average rating

    7.90

  3. Squad number3Player nameFabinho
    Average rating

    7.87

  4. Squad number17Player nameJones
    Average rating

    7.84

  5. Squad number5Player nameWijnaldum
    Average rating

    7.75

  6. Squad number11Player nameMohamed Salah
    Average rating

    7.68

  7. Squad number14Player nameHenderson
    Average rating

    7.66

  8. Squad number10Player nameMané
    Average rating

    7.55

  9. Squad number46Player nameR Williams
    Average rating

    7.44

  10. Squad number1Player nameAlisson
    Average rating

    7.17

  11. Squad number66Player nameAlexander-Arnold
    Average rating

    7.17

Tottenham Hotspur

  1. Squad number7Player nameSon Heung-Min
    Average rating

    6.09

  2. Squad number1Player nameLloris
    Average rating

    5.82

  3. Squad number24Player nameAurier
    Average rating

    5.69

  4. Squad number4Player nameAlderweireld
    Average rating

    5.28

  5. Squad number5Player nameHøjbjerg
    Average rating

    5.24

  6. Squad number17Player nameSissoko
    Average rating

    5.12

  7. Squad number15Player nameDier
    Average rating

    5.06

  8. Squad number18Player nameLo Celso
    Average rating

    4.92

  9. Squad number33Player nameDavies
    Average rating

    4.92

  10. Squad number23Player nameBergwijn
    Average rating

    4.80

  11. Squad number10Player nameKane
    Average rating

    4.69

  12. Squad number3Player nameReguilón
    Average rating

    4.54

  13. Squad number27Player nameLucas Moura
    Average rating

    4.32

  14. Squad number20Player nameAlli
    Average rating

    4.31

Line-ups

Liverpool

Formation 4-3-3

  • 1Alisson
  • 66Alexander-Arnold
  • 46R Williams
  • 3Fabinho
  • 26Robertson
  • 17Jones
  • 14Henderson
  • 5Wijnaldum
  • 11Salah
  • 9Firmino
  • 10Mané

Substitutes

  • 8Keita
  • 15Oxlade-Chamberlain
  • 18Minamino
  • 27Origi
  • 47Phillips
  • 62Kelleher
  • 76N Williams

Tottenham

Formation 4-4-2

  • 1Lloris
  • 24Aurier
  • 4Alderweireld
  • 15Dier
  • 33Davies
  • 17Sissoko
  • 5HøjbjergBooked at 54mins
  • 18Lo CelsoBooked at 48minsSubstituted forLucas Mouraat 58'minutes
  • 23BergwijnSubstituted forReguilónat 76'minutes
  • 10Kane
  • 7Son Heung-MinSubstituted forAlliat 87'minutes

Substitutes

  • 3Reguilón
  • 8Winks
  • 12Hart
  • 14Rodon
  • 20Alli
  • 27Lucas Moura
  • 28Ndombele
Referee:
Anthony Taylor
Attendance:
2,000

Match Stats

Home TeamLiverpoolAway TeamTottenham
Possession
Home76%
Away24%
Shots
Home17
Away8
Shots on Target
Home11
Away2
Corners
Home7
Away4
Fouls
Home8
Away9

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Liverpool 2, Tottenham Hotspur 1.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Liverpool 2, Tottenham Hotspur 1.

  3. Post update

    Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Andrew Robertson.

  4. Goal!

    Goal! Liverpool 2, Tottenham Hotspur 1. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) header from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Andrew Robertson with a cross following a corner.

  5. Post update

    Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Serge Aurier.

  6. Post update

    Sadio Mané (Liverpool) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  7. Post update

    Foul by Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur).

  8. Post update

    Attempt saved. Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

  9. Post update

    Foul by Fabinho (Liverpool).

  10. Post update

    Lucas Moura (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  11. Substitution

    Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Dele Alli replaces Son Heung-Min.

  12. Post update

    Sadio Mané (Liverpool) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  13. Post update

    Foul by Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur).

  14. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Curtis Jones (Liverpool) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Sadio Mané.

  15. Post update

    Attempt missed. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Toby Alderweireld.

  16. Substitution

    Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Sergio Reguilón replaces Steven Bergwijn.

  17. Post update

    Foul by Curtis Jones (Liverpool).

  18. Post update

    Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  19. Post update

    Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

  20. Post update

    Corner, Liverpool. Conceded by Serge Aurier.

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3467 comments

  • Comment posted by Rich-D, at 21:56 16 Dec 2020

    Only one team actively trying to win. Attack vs Defence......Attack won!

    • Reply posted by Kevsterisred, at 22:00 16 Dec 2020

      Kevsterisred replied:
      We are the best team. Period.

  • Comment posted by mustardcustard, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    It has to be the sweetest way to beat a Mourinho team, a last minute winner.

  • Comment posted by MrJohn, at 21:58 16 Dec 2020

    Can’t argue with that. Liverpool are a phenomenal team. Deserving champions. The best team in England over the last few years and the better team tonight. Massive respect. We almost did enough to ensure we stayed top of the pile tonight. Proud of the lads for that but well done Liverpool. The only thing I’d change would be to have a full Anfield to give Houllier the full ovation he deserved.

    • Reply posted by NeilM81, at 22:01 16 Dec 2020

      NeilM81 replied:
      Fair play on the comments mate. I know its hard again tthe champs but I think there is talent in that team and would like to see Jose let them cut loose a bit more

  • Comment posted by BishBashBosh, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    And THAT is why true LFC fans never criticise Bobby, our biggest unsung hero

    • Reply posted by Maximus, at 22:03 16 Dec 2020

      Maximus replied:
      Well said. Fully agree. UNSUNG!!!

  • Comment posted by Mick Murray, at 21:56 16 Dec 2020

    Without Gérard there would be no Gerrard...

    RIP Boss



    • Reply posted by U19205675, at 22:01 16 Dec 2020

      U19205675 replied:
      What a man. He will be remebered forever. And in our hearts. RIP Boss

  • Comment posted by leedsupooltic, at 21:56 16 Dec 2020

    What was Jose meaning at. Was klopp celebration a bit too much at the end. What a hypocrite. Liverpool dominated totally. Park the bus back back home Jose

  • Comment posted by Jerome, at 21:56 16 Dec 2020

    What a performance by Liverpool. Total domination, the footballers won today, Spurs would be lost without Son.

    • Reply posted by Meh, at 21:59 16 Dec 2020

      Meh replied:
      Disagree. Fine margins I thought, there was a lot of huff and puff from Liverpool and Spurs had some great chances and could’ve won on another day.

  • Comment posted by Trollbasher, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    Deserved! Typical Mourinho attempt at smash and grab. Didn't work this time.

    Fresh air at last! Not bad for half a team!

    • Reply posted by Alex A, at 22:03 16 Dec 2020

      Alex A replied:
      Half a team?? You sound more full of excuses than Klopp

  • Comment posted by Steve 76, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    Magic!!

    Mourinho the dinosaur got what he deserved there with his park the bus football.

    • Reply posted by Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd, at 22:03 16 Dec 2020

      Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd replied:
      That's twice in a week, 'parking the bus' has failed Mourinho, when will he stop using this tactic?

  • Comment posted by spursarewinners, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    Liverpool outclassed us.Our pathetic bus parking,diving,long ball,pub team football is laughable.

  • Comment posted by sandwichlover, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    15 minutes were left:

    Liverpool have had 200 passes in the final third tonight...

    Tottenham have had 19!

    200 against 19!

    That is what you call a stark contrast...

    • Reply posted by Dads Account, at 22:26 16 Dec 2020

      Dads Account replied:
      Yes but a couple meaningful touches could have made the 200 worth nothing.

      The GOAT

  • Comment posted by Marc Worthington, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    Get in Liverpool, I love late goals, fully deserved win anyway, Gerard was looking down on us there.

    • Reply posted by FMExTREME, at 22:01 16 Dec 2020

      FMExTREME replied:
      Absolutely. That's for you Gerard, paved the way for the modern Liverpool and Spurs get out.

  • Comment posted by JayJay, at 21:57 16 Dec 2020

    Mourinho crying to Klopp at the end, diddums..totally classless. Ponies are lucky to have been top, they were anti football and dull.

    • Reply posted by Plain aim, at 22:00 16 Dec 2020

      Plain aim replied:
      Cheats!

  • Comment posted by dan, at 22:01 16 Dec 2020

    I don’t support LFC but credit where credit is due they dominated Spurs from start to finish and they have some fantastic players
    Fabinho is a class act and the young lad next to him had a good game

    No diving
    No cheating
    Very refreshing

    • Reply posted by Flummoxed, at 22:19 16 Dec 2020

      Flummoxed replied:
      only the push by henderson for the winning goal!!

  • Comment posted by Lightning-F57, at 22:02 16 Dec 2020

    Jose reckons they controlled the game

    Liverpool shots on target 11
    Spurs 2

    Possession Liverpool 76%
    Spurs 24%

    Ok Jose I also see your delusion

    • Reply posted by Phil Furlong, at 23:17 16 Dec 2020

      Phil Furlong replied:
      Ah bless, do we need to explain the counter attacking game formation?

  • Comment posted by 6 times, at 22:03 16 Dec 2020

    Finally the real Jose comes out. Moody, petulant and talking utter crap!

    • Reply posted by Henry, at 00:03 17 Dec 2020

      Henry replied:
      Only sings when he’s winning, but true colours on show tonight.

  • Comment posted by jaydee, at 22:00 16 Dec 2020

    Well played Liverpool.. from a Spurs fan..

    • Reply posted by BethnalExpat, at 02:17 17 Dec 2020

      BethnalExpat replied:
      I agree, Liverpool played really well .... hopefully others will agree that Tottenham are a hugely improved team and nailed on for a top four finish..... surely that’s an improvement on obtaining a Europa spot on goal difference over Wolves on the final day of last season ?

  • Comment posted by orangeazz, at 22:07 16 Dec 2020

    Can Maurinho be any more of a graceless, poor loser? That post match interview was was full of whining. Both teams had chances to win, one team took them more than the other. The best team certainly did NOT lose. Get some humility you sad git!!

    • Reply posted by MCF, at 22:48 16 Dec 2020

      MCF replied:
      Took lessons from Fergie in that respect.

  • Comment posted by Luvvaduck, at 21:56 16 Dec 2020

    Its funny isn't but I hated Mourinho and his football when he was at other clubs
    But I love his football now
    That game was absolutely fascinating to watch

    So good i don't even care we lost

    Well played Liverpool
    Well played Spurs

    COYS

    • Reply posted by Trollbasher, at 21:58 16 Dec 2020

      Trollbasher replied:
      It's called being a hypocrite!