Staff Reporter.
Liverpool returned to form in impressive fashion as the Premier League champions secured a convincing victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
After a run of five league games without a win – four of those without a goal – Liverpool moved back into the top four as they discovered their cutting edge in style at the expense of an uninspiring Spurs.
Spurs, who lost striker Harry Kane to an ankle injury at half-time, had an early Son Heung-min strike ruled out for offside before Liverpool’s threat was rewarded with their first league goal in 482 minutes in first-half stoppage time.
Kane, 27, needed treatment on his left ankle after landing awkwardly following a challenge with Jordan Henderson.
The England captain also hurt his right ankle in an earlier challenge with Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
The striker, who has a history of ankle issues, continued before being replaced by Erik Lamela at half-time.
“The second injury was worse than the first one,” said Jose Mourinho. “He was coping with one but couldn’t cope with both.
“For Harry to leave a game when the team is losing is not a nothing injury.
“There are some players you can’t replace. When it happens it happens, but I believe we have to fight against it, we cannot do anything else.”
Brazil striker Roberto Firmino took advantage of hesitation between Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris to tap in Sadio Mane’s low cross from close range.
France keeper Lloris was at fault again two minutes after the break when he pushed Mane’s shot into the path of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who finished emphatically.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s 20-yard strike gave Spurs hope almost immediately but Liverpool were always in control of an entertaining second period.
After Mohamed Salah saw a goal disallowed by VAR for handball by Firmino in the build-up, Mane stole in at the far post to pounce on an error by the otherwise impressive Joe Rodon to secure the win for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool are now four points behind leaders Manchester City having played a game more.