Tottenham produced what was arguably their best performance of the season so far against Liverpool on Tuesday, but they have nothing to show for it.
Spurs finally scored against top-flight opposition for the first time this season in the Carabao Cup third-round clash against Liverpool, but they were knocked out of the competition, with the home side emerging as 3-1 winners.
However, overall, Tottenham had much better chances than the home side, with Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Savio all failing to convert huge opportunities.
The Reds goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also made some outstanding stops, including a reflex save from close range to Omar Marmoush’s deflected effort.
Tottenham dominated Liverpool in terms of xG
According to ESPN, Spurs had more possession (56 per cent), more shots on goal (six to Liverpool’s five) and won more corners (nine to the home side’s six) than Andoni Iraola’s side.
They also had far more accurate passes and won many more duels, and while Mamardashvili was forced into five saves, Martin Dubravka made just two.
However, the stat most telling of Tottenham’s domination is that De Zerbi’s men registered an xG of 2.34, which is significantly higher than Liverpool’s xG of 1.53.
That proves that the away side fashioned a lot more quality chances and failed to take them, while Liverpool were clinical in front of goal.
James Maddison showed Spurs what they are missing
With Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski out with long-term injuries, and with James Maddison working his way up to 100 per cent fitness, De Zerbi has been forced to use Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher as number 10s.
Neither player has provided the creativity and spark that the Lilywhites need in that role. That was demonstrated by Maddison, who impressed in his 15-minute cameo off the bench at Anfield.
The England international always looked to get on the ball and played confident through balls in behind the Reds’ defence, and Spurs fans will be desperate to see the attacking midfielder in the starting eleven soon.