Liverpool earned a 2-1 win at nine-man Tottenham and somehow survived a chaotic final that saw Richarlison withdraw and Cristian Romero see red for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate as Spurs chased a last gasp.
It had looked routine for Liverpool, with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitke goals putting them in control after Xavi Simons was sent off in the first half for planting his studs into Virgil van Dijk’s calf.
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Hugo Ekitike scores Liverpool’s second
But with memories of Liverpool’s collapse at Leeds fresh in the mind, there was late drama as Richarlison added to his impressive tally against the Reds and saw Ibrahima Konate block to prevent him converting a quickfire double to rescue a point for Spurs.
With the home crowd – fired up by referee John Brooks all evening – roaring their side forward, Romero kicked out at Konate as they tangled on the floor before Wilson Odobert pulled Alisson into a clean save with the last kick of the game.
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Spurs go down to ten men after John Brooks sent off Xavi Simons for his challenge on Virgil Van Dijk after consulting the pitchside monitor
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Romero receives a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate – resulting in a sending off and Spurs down to nine men against Liverpool
Liverpool’s nerves had frayed, but the full-time whistle brought relief and fifth place in the Premier League. Injuries to Isak in the process of scoring from a first Premier League assist from Florian Wirtz will be a concern, but not as much as their inability to close down games when they have the advantage.
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Richarlison gave Spurs a lifeline
Spurs went close to equalizing between Isak’s lobbed finish and Ekitik’s towering header, Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflecting off Milos Kerkez, over Alisson and onto the Liverpool post.
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Randal Kolo Muani is close to equalizing for the home side
After a poor display at Nottingham Forest last weekend, their supporters appreciated the game on Saturday night. In the end, however, it was another home defeat for Spurs. It was their 11th in the league in 2025 – a new, unwanted club record. They are down to 13th place.
More to follow…
Simons’ red card – The judgments
Gary Neville at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“Virgil van Dijk is six foot four and 15 stone. If it’s the other way around, it’s a leg breaker.
“Thomas Frank has a laugh about it, but none of the Tottenham players are complaining. Those who have seen it say ‘what are you doing?’
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:
“Xavi Simons is doing something so ridiculous that I don’t know what he’s thinking.
“He’s got it all wrong. He has.” [gone] into his back and catches his Achilles. It’s a stupid challenge that constitutes a red card.”
Sky Sports’ Daniel Sturridge:
“It’s too bad. It looks worse in slow motion.
“He’s just got it wrong in how he’s gone about it. I don’t think he’s a malicious type of player who would try to hurt an international team-mate. He’s got it completely wrong.”