Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham: Former Everton star Richarlison was a hero for Spurs, passing a lifeline to Igor Tudor and giving his side a much-needed boost in their battle to remain in the Premier League.
Richarlison scored the equalizer in the 90th minute (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Pantomime villain Richarlison saved Tottenham a precious point after Liverpool sleepwalked into a 1-1 draw. The former Everton star scored in the 90th minute to silence the Kop end and boost Spurs’ hopes of survival.
It looked like it would be the end for Tottenham manager Igor Tudor, but he was on the verge of suffering his fifth defeat in as many games. Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool an early lead and the Reds looked set to move into fourth place.
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 early on Sunday, a boon for Arn Slott’s side, but the reigning champions were unable to capitalize. Instead, Spurs managed to match the results of fellow strugglers West Ham and Nottingham Forest with draws.
Here are five stories from Anfield.
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read more: Igor Tudor seems to have made an embarrassing gaffe about Arne Slott ahead of the match against Liverpoolread more: Liverpool’s former manager activates contract option on Alisson with hopes of reuniting
1. Throttling changes
Liverpool were tied with Galatasaray in the last 16 of the Champions League and were considering a rotation. However, few expected Hugo Ekitike and Mo Salah to both start at Anfield.
Rio Ngmoha was given his first start in the Premier League on the left wing, while Kodi Gakpo played as a striker. Jamie Carragher reacted to the team news, saying: “Arn Slott usually likes to keep a stable squad and he’s been doing that in recent weeks, especially since Mo Salah returned from the AFCON, so it was a bit of a shock.”
“He (Slot) obviously sees this as a game where he can afford to make changes because we have a big game in the middle of the week.”
Will Tottenham be relegated? Let us know your predictions in the comments section.
Rio Ngmoha has been handed his first Premier League start (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
2. Szoboszlai makes history for Liverpool
Some things remain the same. Szoboszlai taking a free kick and Tottenham’s poor goalkeeping.
When Archie Gray fouled Alexis Mac Allister about 20 yards from goal, many in the Kop end would have put their money on the ball hitting the back of the net. That’s true, but Szboschlei didn’t have to produce his best work to break out of the impasse – more on that later.
The Reds’ quick-thinking right-back has scored four direct free-kicks in the Premier League this season, the most ever by a Liverpool player in a single season in the competition.
Dominik Szoboszlai is a certified free kick specialist (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
3. Vicario gives Tottenham a sense of déjà vu
Guglielmo Vicario had a point to prove when he returned to goal after 17 minutes off the bench in midweek. The Italians failed in their first mission.
Szoboszlai’s free kick was converted by Vicario. Tottenham’s defense must have had a serious sense of deja vu after Antonin Kinski’s nightmare against Atletico Madrid. Whether it was poor footwork or weak hands, Vicario presented Spurs with an even bigger challenge.
Guglielmo Vicario’s form has plummeted this season (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
4. Richarlison furious after Van Dijk match
Richarlison, a familiar enemy in these regions, always found himself in controversial situations. The Brazilian scored the all-important equalizer but was involved in an accident before that.
After Dominic Solanke got past Joe Gomez, Richarlison joined Virgil van Dijk in a footrace. The Liverpool captain was grappling with a Tottenham forward huddled inside the penalty area.
Richarlison claimed his shirt was pulled and was adamant that Spurs should have been awarded a penalty, but referee Chris Kavanagh was not interested. Spurs continued to strive for an equalizer, but so did VAR.
Richarlison believed Tottenham should have been awarded a penalty (Image: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
5. Who else is there besides him?
Richarlison, who proudly plays the role of Anfield’s pantomime villain, will of course have a different opinion. With Liverpool unable to finish the game and the backdoor left open, Randall Kolo Muani held off Van Dijk inside the penalty area, allowing Richarlison to finish with ease.
Tottenham’s hero almost blushed when Liverpool ran away in stoppage time, but Ekitike missed a golden chance. When the final whistle blew, boos rang out across Anfield.
pure drama.
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