A well-fought display from nine-man Tottenham was not enough, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at home, with several refereeing decisions leaving supporters furious.
Coming into this game, the pressure on Thomas Frank was at an all-time high among Tottenham supporters, yet this was one of those defeats that fans are far more willing to accept than many that came before it.
There was a noticeable tactical tweak from the side that were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest last week, even if it came via just one personnel change, with Lucas Bergvall coming in for Spurs’ top scorer Richarlison.
More encouragingly, Radu Dragusin returned to the matchday squad after almost a year out with an ACL injury, although he remained an unused substitute.
First half: Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool
Tottenham initially set up in what looked like a narrow 4-2-3-1, and while it did not immediately click, it also did not leave them exposed, with both sides enjoying spells of possession without finding much rhythm in the final third. Early chances came at both ends when Virgil van Dijk and Randal Kolo Muani each sent headers straight at the goalkeeper from close range, opportunities both players would have expected to do better with.
Any tactical plan Spurs had worked on, however, was torn up midway through the half when Xavi Simons‘ yellow card was upgraded to a straight red for a mistimed challenge on his international captain, clumsily catching Van Dijk on the Achilles with his studs.
Even with the numerical advantage, Liverpool did not immediately take control, aside from one moment when Florian Wirtz’s sharp turn and shot forced a good save from Guglielmo Vicario.
Second half: Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool
Looking to make their extra man count, Arne Slot made an attacking change at the interval, introducing his £120 million signing Aleksander Isak, and the move paid off within ten minutes of the restart.
Cristian Romero carelessly lost possession high up the pitch, allowing Florian Wirtz to slip the ball through into Isak’s feet, with the striker finishing first time past a poorly positioned Vicario for 0-1. Isak took a heavy knock from Micky van de Ven in the process and was forced off for Jeremie Frimpong.
Forced to push higher up the pitch in search of a response, Spurs almost found one when Kolo Muani burst through the middle and into the Liverpool box, only for his angled effort to loop off Milos Kerkez and hit the crossbar.
Before Tottenham could properly build on that moment, Liverpool controversially doubled their lead through Hugo Ekitike, who rose above Romero to head in Frimpong’s cross. There were checks for a foul, with Ekitike appearing to have both his hands on Romero’s back as they challenged in the air, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Fresh legs from the bench made an impact at the other end, with Richarlison pulling one back for Spurs after a corner caused chaos in the Liverpool box, Joao Palhinha’s scuffed effort falling for the Brazilian, who fired into the bottom corner.
The former Everton forward almost equalised soon after when Brennan Johnson played him through Liverpool’s defence for a one-on-one with Alisson Becker, but he took too long to shoot, and Ibrahima Konate was able to close him down.
Deep into stoppage time, Tottenham were dealt another blow when Romero sent off for an unnecessary kick on Konate just when they were close to equalising.
After a few more half-chances, saves, and even a fair penalty appeal, Liverpool managed to see the game out.
FT: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1-2 LIVERPOOL
Spurs Web man of the match: Djed Spence
What’s next for Spurs?
There is something slightly worrying about how this Tottenham side only seems to find its fight after going a man down, even if the resilience shown here deserves credit. Djed Spence looked Spurs’ most consistent threat and would’ve been even better had his teammates matched his level, while Rodrigo Bentancur deserves huge credit for his physical presence and relentless running after the sending off.
Romero, on the other hand, will know this was a night to forget, playing a role in both goals conceded before letting his side down with a needless red card when Spurs were pushing for an equaliser. Mohammed Kudus was also poor, struggling to make the right decisions in transition, often slowing promising counters or attempting to beat too many players when support was limited.
That said, it was hard to ignore the impact of some poor officiating, with decisions around the red cards, the second Liverpool goal and late penalty appeals all leaving Spurs feeling aggrieved. On another day, and with fairer calls, Tottenham might well have taken something from this contest.
Next up for Frank’s side is a tricky trip to Crystal Palace, where Spurs will be without both Romero and Simons.