Liverpool beat Tottenham nine-a-side in north London thanks to second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The match was evenly matched in the early stages, but Tottenham were reduced to 10 men after 33 minutes when Xavi Simmons was sent off for grabbing the sole of Virgil van Dijk’s foot with a stud, tilting things in favor of the away team.
Isak came on as a substitute at half-time and scored the opening goal 11 minutes after the interval. However, he was injured while aiming for the back of the goal and had to leave the pitch again. Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the second period when Ekitike rose well to head the ball into the top corner as the Reds looked to have the upper hand. But Richarlison gave Tottenham hope with a goal in the 83rd minute, before the home side looked to equalize. However, Cristian Romero was also sent off in the final minute and Liverpool held on to all three points.
Express Sport rates and predicts Liverpool players…
Liverpool vs Tottenham player rating (4-2-3-1)
Alison – 8
It was a quiet night for the majority of the match, but they were eventually forced into a series of fine saves as Tottenham pushed forward and caused problems. Always inspires confidence when he starts.
Connor Bradley – 6
They shot the ball outside the box early on, but were unable to get into the game. He received medical treatment on the pitch midway through the first half and was replaced by Isak at half-time.
Ibrahima Konate – 5
He has looked erratic at times, but has yet to convince the heart of the Reds’ backline. Even when Spurs were down to nine men, it didn’t get any easier as they were in trouble throughout.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
He posed a threat inside Tottenham’s box as they looked to score from set pieces. Had the Tottenham man given his marching orders, he would have hurt his leg after being caught by Symonds. In the final stages, they held up well as Spurs attacked at will.
Milos Kerkes – 5
Although he lifted his body to support Liverpool’s attack, he was sometimes reluctant to deliver the ball into the box, and was often selfish with his passes when trying to pick off teammates.
Ryan Gravenbirch – 7
He continued to play an active role as a key player under coach Arne Slott, who directed him to play in the center of the pitch. It was too slow at times in the first half when Liverpool needed urgency after Tottenham were reduced to 10 men. Wall was increasingly asked to protect the backline as Spurs moved forward in search of a leveler.
Curtis Jones – 6
He played in the midfield, but when the home team came under heavy pressure in the first half, he dropped back to form a back five. He was guilty of making too many lateral passes, but overall he was solid overall.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
He was Liverpool’s best player this season, but was quiet in attack in the first half until moving to right-back after Isak arrived. After Isak was sent off, he remained at right-back and made some great passes into the box.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
He failed to make an impression and lacked sharpness in the final third. Isak could have been a better fit for Liverpool if he had played further back, starting the attack alongside Ekitike. He will need to offer more if he is to maintain his place in the Reds’ squad.
Florian Wirtz – 8
He looked dangerous in the final third and had a chance for a header midway through the first half, but he fired again shortly after and was on target. He was a player who wanted to slot in behind Tottenham’s backline, but was not necessarily chosen by Liverpool’s creators. Assisted Isaac’s attacks and caused trouble from beginning to end.
Giant Ekichike – 8
He has been in good form in recent weeks and scored another goal for the Reds just when it looked like the game was over in north London. Although they were isolated up front in the first half, they had more luck after the interval and showed their strengths once again.
replacement
Alexander Isaac – 7
Slott introduced action at half-time, trying to make the most of his team’s numerical advantage. He found the back of the net after just 11 minutes, but was injured while scoring and was sent off the pitch.
Jeremy Frimpong – 7
Following an injury to the Swedish national team, he replaced Isak and played in a high position. He was also injured and was substituted.
Federico Chiesa – 7
He came on for Jeremy Frimpong in injury time at the end of the match as Liverpool looked to snatch victory.
Trey Nyoni – N/A
It turned on with a few seconds left.
Andy Robertson – N/A
It only appears for a few seconds at the end of the match.
