The much-awaited Tottenham vs Liverpool clash took place yesterday with the Reds triumphing 3-1 and, thoughts and predictions may have changed as to where the two teams now stand in terms of winning the EPL title. After enduring constant scrutiny and criticism about Liverpool’s performance this season compared to last season, the Kop finally has some much-needed enthusiasm and renewed hopes for the team. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Tottenham and its fans as they faced crucial losses along with losing the match. A few weeks ago, Tottenham was topping the tables with constant wins and memorable performances, but lately, there seem to be worrying fundamental errors on the field.
Other than losing a game that was crucial to Spurs progress and Premier League title chances, star striker Harry Kane has also suffered an injury blow after a tackle by Thiago Alcantara. Although it did result in a free-kick, Kane was caught for the second time in another aerial duel with Joel Matip, landing uncomfortably on his other ankle, sealing the deal for the striker. Harry also appears in Sportingbet’s list of Europe’s deadliest strikers with a total of 119 goals in five years in the major leagues, so naturally, Jose Mourinho was not happy about Kane failing to reappear for the second half of the match. He targeted Thiago specifically, who was booked later on in the match for a foul on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Two ankles, the first was a bad tackle, it was Thiago, the second one I didn’t know well,” said the Portuguese manager.
“But two injuries in both ankles, the second one worst than the first one – a few weeks, I don’t know. There are some players you can’t replace. Two ankles, the first was a bad tackle, it was Thiago, the second one I didn’t know well. But two injuries in both ankles, the second one worst than the first one – a few weeks, I don’t know. There are some players you can’t replace.”
Other than Kane’s unfortunate injury, Spurs players also took part in a heated half-time incident that resulted in Serge Aurier rushing out the stadium at half-time. Players were already frustrated and stirring up angry exchanges amongst themselves, as the Reds’ Roberto Firmino managed to net a goal moments before the break due to a couple of defensive errors. Mourinho then made the decision to substitute Auerier at half-time after which he left the stadium clearly infuriated and refused to watch the second half from the benches.
Mourinho later explained the pressure the players were facing: “it was the mood of the team that was difficult to accept you are losing”. After witnessing Kane limping off the field at half-time and Firmino’s surprise goal, tensions were certainly high.
On the contrary, Klopp was immensely impressed with his squad as they managed to win their first Premier League game in six and are now in the fourth position with 37 points (at the time of writing). This win has definitely boosted their premier league title chances and one that was desperately needed given the sullen moods lately. However, Klopp may have also suffered two major injury blows after incidents including Fabhino and Joel Matip. According to recent speculation, Matip may also have to face another spell on the sidelines with an ankle ligament injury. With one of their fit centre-back’s future uncertain and van Dijk out for the rest of the season, now would be a great time for Liverpool to sign a central defender before Monday’s deadline.
Yesterday’s match also saw Trent-Alexander Arnold’s revival and the 22-year-old was integral to Liverpool’s success. Not only did Alexander Arnold manage to net a goal, but he also had a crucial assist in the game. In the post-match interview, Arnold could hardly contain his joy and appreciation for teammates.
“At the end of the day, we are a team that likes to perform well, but it’s a results business, and we want to be getting wins. We have not been able to get that in the last four or five games, so it was good to put things right and do it in a way like we did,”
“It’s been a poor run of results, which we can not really afford, so it was important for us to come here and get a result. We wanted to come here and take the three points, and we have been able to do that with an unbelievable performance from the lads.”
Categories: News
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
