Liverpool rekindled their UEFA Champions League aspirations on Super Sunday, as they beat Tottenham Hotspurs 4-3 in their Matchday 34 blockbuster encounter at Anfield.
The fans at Anfield were treated to a goalfest, as the floodgates opened as early as just three minutes. Trent Alexander-Arnold teed up Curtis Jones whose effort subsequently beat Fraser Forster in goal for Spurs.
Two minutes later, it was Liverpool at the double. Colombian international Luis Diaz who was making a first start for the Reds since October following a spell on the sidelines through injury, got to the end of a pass from Cody Gakpo to make it two goals for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Shortly after, center referee Paul Tierney awarded Liverpool a penalty following a foul on Cody Gakpo by Christian Romero. Mo Salah who had missed a pair of spot-kicks in recent times, stepped up and duly converted from twelve yards to make it three goals in favour of the Reds.
It seemed like the same old story for Tottenham Hotspurs, as the scoreline after just fifteen minutes at Anfield echoed semblance of their 6-1 hammering by Newcastle United last weekend. The away fans stormed out of the venue in anger and disgust, following the poor display from the Lilywhites.
The visitors though began to assert dominance in the game and got a deserved consolation through their talismanic forward Harry Kane. Equally, South Korean star Heung-Min Son went close but his shot cannoned off the crossbar as the half ended with Liverpool holding the lead.
Son and Christian Romero both struck the woodwork in succession in the early stages of the second half, but it was the Korean who registered a well-deserved goal in the 77th minute. A brilliant run from Son saw him reduce the deficit, as the game was finely poised for a thrilling finish.
Substitute Richarlison who has had an underwhelming campaign came up with a 93rd minute equalizer, which sparked wild scenes of celebration.
But the best was yet to come. Diogo Jota who was brought on by Jurgen Klopp in the second half, found the back of the net in the 95th minute to hand Liverpool all three points and continue their push for a place in the UCL for next season.
🔴 Live Blog:
FULL-TIME AT ANFIELD: Liverpool 4-3 Tottenham Hotspurs
GOOOAAALLL!!! Liverpool 4-3 Tottenham Hotspurs (D. Jota)
90+5′ MIN: Oh my word!!! Diogo Jota strikes late to win it for the hosts.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Liverpool 3-3 Tottenham Hotspurs (Richarlison)
90+3′ MIN: Absolute bonkers!!! Super sub Richarlison nets deep in stoppage time to snatch a point for the visitors.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham Hotspurs (H.M. Son)
77′ MIN: A brilliant run from Heung-Min Son sees Spurs reduced the deficit.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT ANFIELD: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspurs
The hosts race into an early three-goal lead, but Spurs claw one back before the break.
HALF-TIME AT ANFIELD: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspurs
GOOOAAALLL!!! Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspurs (H. Kane)
40′ MIN: Harry Kane volleys through Alisson’s legs to pull one back for the visitors.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham Hotspurs (M. Salah)
15′ MIN: Mohamed Salah scores Liverpool’s third, lifting his spot-kick into the roof of the net.
PENALTY!!! To Liverpool
14′ MIN: Liverpool have a penalty, after Christian Romero was penalized for a foul on Cody Gakpo in the box.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspurs (L. Diaz)
5′ MIN: Liverpool have another! Cody Gakpo picks out Luis Diaz and the Colombian hooks it in.
GOOOAAALLL!!! Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham Hotspurs (C. Jones)
3′ MIN: Curtis Jones gives the Reds the lead, off a delightful assist from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
KICK-OFF AT ANFIELD: Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham Hotspurs
Both sides still harbour faint hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League next season, and will battle it out at Merseyside for the three points on offer.
A draw does either side no good, as the points deficit between them and the Top Four is significant after closest challengers Newcastle United and Manchester United both earned victories in their respective games.
The Reds come into this tie on the back of three consecutive Premier League wins, and recently saw off West Ham United 2-1 in their penultimate fixture.
Spurs however, managed a credible 2-2 draw with Manchester United last time out, but know fully well that a loss today might put paid to their UCL ambitions for next season.
Apex Football News 