Liverpool grabbed a 3-2 win in a thrilling encounter against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield with a Steven Gerrard penalty sealing all three points and launching Liverpool up to sixth in the league.
Star striker Luis Suarez helped the Kop take the lead after 20 minutes with a superb finish after a lovely pass from Jose Enrique. But Spurs levelled just before half time from a Gareth Bale cross which met the head of defender Jan Vertonghen.
The Belgian scored again to put his side in front after a Bale free-kick wasn’t dealt with by the Liverpool defence, and he poked it into the corner of the net.
But Tottenham lost the lead when Kyle Walker played a shocking pass back, resulting in goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to rashly rush out of his box, only for Stewart Downing to nick the ball and hit home.
Liverpool sealed the win on the 80th minute when Benoit Assou-Ekotto fouled Luis Suarez in the box, and the penalty was stroked into the bottom corner from the boot of an ever-composed Steven Gerrard.
Read below for the player ratings from this great match.
Liverpool
Brad Jones – 6 – Was nervous initially when he parried a Bale free-kick which dipped, but then settled into the role more. Not sure **** Reina will be worrying about his position too soon.
Glen Johnson – 6 – Didn’t deal with the ball well enough which resulted in the second goal, made a few decent runs into the attack and dealt with Sigurdsson fairly well. Not the best performance from the right-back.
Jamie Carragher – 7 – Decent game from the veteran, didn’t clear the ball well which resulted in the second Vertonghen goal, but looked assured at the back and didn’t allow Defoe any space.
Daniel Agger – 7 – Part of the trio who didn’t deal with the second goal well, but made some crucial interceptions and looked calm at the back, partnered with Carragher well.
Jose Enrique – 8 - Got forward very well and passed the ball brilliantly. Fed Suarez with a lovely pass to assist the opening goal. Impressive game from the Spaniard.
Lucas Leiva – 6 – Quiet game from the Brazilian, didn’t get much of the ball. Hardly heard his name on the commentary and his passing wasn’t up to scratch.
Steven Gerrard – 8 – Stepped up confidently to stroke home the penalty to win the game for his side. Another day at the office for the England midfielder who passed the ball around well as usual, was composed and assured in his central midfield role.
Daniel Sturridge – 6 – Quiet first-half display but brightened up come the second, sometimes struggled to get the ball. Had a couple of chances but not much else.
Philippe Coutinho – 7 – Impressive down the left wing, his flick to Enrique started the attack off which led to the Suarez opener. Showed good technique and flair before he was replaced just on the hour.
Stewart Downing – 8 – Made some good runs down the right wing and was a constant hassle for Assou-Ekotto, made some good crosses and nicked the ball after a shocking mistake from Lloris to score a simple goal.
Luis Suarez – 9 – Man of the Match – Was a constant threat to the defence, scored a good goal and never stopped running. He hassled opponents off the ball, wasn’t given the service as much as he should have, but when he did he usually did something with it.
Subs
Joe Allen – 7 – Very good when he came on for the final half hour, simple passing and control helped turn the game around for Liverpool.
Jordan Henderson – 6 – Late substitute.
Tottenham Hotspur
Hugo Lloris – 5 – Catastrophic error which led to Downing’s equaliser, couldn’t do much about Suarez’s finish or Gerrard’s penalty. Looked composed at times.
Kyle Walker – 5 – His attacking play was good, got some decent crosses in but failed sometimes to handle Coutinho down the wing. Bad back pass forced the mistake from Lloris for the equalizer.
Jan Vertonghen – 8 – Scored the two goals for his team with a header and a quick stab into the corner, performed his duties well at the back at the same time. Excellent performance from the Belgian
Michael Dawson – 7 – Was unlucky to have been part of the team that conceded three. He didn’t allow Suarez too much time on the ball and didn’t make many mistakes. Solid performance.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto – 6 – Gave away the penalty with a silly unnecessary challenge on Suarez. Didn’t handle Downing as well as he should have, but passed fairly well.
Scott Parker – 6 – Fairly quiet, gave the ball away too much in the first half. But overall put in his work in the tackling department and his passing improved.
Jake Livermore – 6 – Again, quiet in midfield. Passed the ball intelligently at times but was cancelled out as Liverpool packed the midfield.
Moussa Dembele – 7 – Was very impressive in the first half with his sublime touches and dribbling at the Kop defence. Went quiet in the second half, but his flair kept Tottenham in it.
Gareth Bale – 7 – Provided great crosses for the two goals, darted at the defence with his pacy runs and deathly dribbling. Not an outstanding performance given his recent form, but he is human.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 6 – Probably should have scored at some point, got into some good positions but just couldn’t provide the finish. Average game.
Jermain Defoe – 5 – Poor game from the striker. Didn’t take his chances well at all and his shooting was shocking at times.
Subs
Lewis Holtby – 6 – Late substitute.
Tommy Carroll – 6 – Late substitute.
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