Tottenham Hotspur earned a hard-fought point away at Anfield last night, although it looked as though they might walk away with all three until Luis Diaz’s deflected strike in the second half.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the match:
Tottenham deserved to win – I don’t think I’m too bold with that statement. Liverpool attacked extremely well, as they always do. However, I would argue that our defending stood up to anything they could throw at us, apart from one deflected shot you can do very little about. Spurs also carved the Reds open on the break for Heung-min Son’s well-worked goal. On another day, that’s a famous victory for the Lilywhites. But well done to the boys, they gave everything.
Top four race – I feel as though a point does very little for the top four race, seeing as Tottenham’s goal difference was better than Arsenal’s anyway. We shall see, but it still looks as though Spurs have to beat the Gunners in the North London Derby, win their remaining two, and hope Arsenal drop points elsewhere. As they say, you have to stay in the race before you can win it.
Emerson Royal, hold the cheese – That has to be Emerson Royal’s best performance in a Spurs shirt at right-wing-back. I still think he is a very talented right-back in a flat four and criticism towards him always feels harsh seeing as he isn’t playing in his favoured position. But he always keeps his head down and never shies away from the limelight. For me, he was Man of the Match last night, although you could make an argument for most of the lads out there.
Positives to take – Tottenham drew home and away against Liverpool this season, while beating Man City home and away. What’s more, they deserved every one of those points. Spurs have proved they can beat absolutely anyone on their day. What they need to work on is both consistency and the ability to break down low blocks, as well as hitting more open teams on the break. Whatever the case, Conte and Spurs have a great platform from which to build in the summer.
Golden Boot race – Perhaps one slim silver lining from the game was that Heung-min Son remains hot on the heels of Mo Salah in the Golden Boot race, and is in far better scoring form. The Spurs star is now just two goals behind and I would love to see his efforts this season rewarded in some way. If not top four, then why not the Golden Boot?
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