Football Features

    Mourinho’s men falter without Kane: Full player ratings as Liverpool see off Tottenham

    By Harry Edwards

    Published: 19:41, 11 January 2020

    Liverpool have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 16 points after a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

    Roberto Firmino scored the only goal of a tight game in the first half with Tottenham unable to find a way back into the game despite their chances.

    Here’s how the players rated at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:

    Tottenham Hotspur

    Paulo Gazzaniga – 6 – Produced a good stop to deny Van Dijk’s header midway through the first half but was beaten by the power of Firmino’s shot. Was otherwise reliable.

    Davinson Sanchez – 4 – Given the runaround by Salah as the first half went on and should have been stronger on the Egyptian in the build up to Firmino’s goal. Instead he allowed Salah time to pick out the pass. Improved after half-time but it was too late.

    Toby Alderweireld – 4 – Spurs needed a leader at the back to execute Mourinho’s game plan but he wasn’t great.

    Japhet Tangana – 6 – On his Premier League debut made a wonderful block on the goal line when Roberto Firmino looked to give Liverpool a very early lead. However, he was beaten easily by Firmino for Liverpool’s opening goal, showing his lack of experience.

    Serge Aurier – 4 – Rarely stuck to one position which opened up far too much space for Liverpool to advance down his flank. His decision making was also bizarre at times, costing his side in attack. Did send in beautiful cross that deserved a goal but Lo Celso’s finish let him down.

    Harry Winks – 4 – Not a great performance from the English midfielder who looked sloppy on the ball at times.

    Christian Eriksen – 2 – Looked unenthusiastic before being taken off with 20 minutes to go, despite posting high chance creation stats.

    Danny Rose – 3 – An evening to forget for the full-back who didn’t contribute anything positive in either defence or attack.

    Lucas Moura – 7 – Was the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defence and gave Gomez in particular some early problems.

    Dele Alli – 5 – An okay performance but it may be remember for him shying away from challenging Henderson in move that led to Liverpool goal. Squandered a good opportunity to equalise, spending too much time on the ball before trying to shoot.

    Son Heung-min – 6 – Combined with Lucas to test Liverpool’s back line and had Tottenham’s first real chance of the second half but he sent his shot over.

    Substitutes:

    Erik Lamela (for Rose 69) – 5 – Brightened the game slightly but was unable to make any change.

    Giovani Lo Celso (for Eriksen 69) – 5 – Should have equalised for Tottenham after coming on but sent his shot wide after a run into the box.

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    Liverpool

    Alisson – 7 – Had very little to do in the first half and was largely untested in the second but was on hand to make some easy saves when required.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7 – Got forward a lot but also had to be on his toes defensively with Lucas focusing on him. Was brilliant in getting back to close down Son as the South Korean looked to equalise.

    Joe Gomez – 4 – Looked off the pace and was booked for a challenge on Son after losing a race to a loose ball. Gifted Tottenham a break after his misread interception but was fortunately saved by a mixture of Van Dijk and Alli dallying on the ball. Although there is no denying his partnership with Van Dijk has been significant for Liverpool’s recent run.

    Virgil van Dijk – 7 – Should really have given Liverpool the lead but his header was poor and straight at Gazzaniga. Otherwise solid in defence and came to his partner’s rescue with a good challenge on Alli.

    Andrew Robertson – 7 – Given space by Aurier, the Liverpool left-back was very attacking.

    Georginio Wijnaldum – 8 – Another understatedly good performance, showing how important he is to this Liverpool side.

    Jordan Henderson – 5 – Too sloppy on the ball at times in the first half, getting robbed of possession a few times. Did improve after the break though to help Liverpool keep on top of things.

    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 – A decent performance from a player who has only recently returned from injury. Not at his best yet but getting closer.

    Mohamed Salah – 7 – Ran Sanchez ragged in the first half and showed good strength to hold the ball before setting up Firmino for his goal.

    Roberto Firmino – 8 – Had the first opportunity of the game after just two minutes, but his effort was blocked on the line after working well to open space. Did open the scoring, however, after an excellent first touch and finish.

    Sadio Mane – 7 – The quietest of Liverpool’s front three but Tottenham still had to keep an eye on him as shown by him testing Gazzaniga midway through the second half.

    Substitutes:

    Adam Lallana (for Oxlade-Chamberlain 61) – 5 – A competent replacement.

    Divock Origi (for Mane 80) – 6 – Looked threatening to Tottenham’s defence and had his opportunities to double Liverpool’s lead.

    Xherdan Shaqiri (for Salah 90) – N/A – A late sub.

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