When a weekend of Premier League action sees some unusually uniform results, it can be difficult to choose a “Game of the Weekend” from the bunch, and depends largely on your criteria. Perhaps Southampton’s 1-0 win at Brighton stands out for you, if for no other reason than it was the only game with less than two goals. If you are a fan of Crystal Palace or Leicester then no doubt you would have been pleased to see your beloved side record a home win, or maybe Everton fans could be the happiest as they won away from home with a clean sheet at West Ham – the only side other than Man City to do so. Of course, if a game could have more of an impact on the progressing season, there can surely be little argument that Liverpool taking on Spurs tops the bill.
Liverpool are of course chasing their first title in a rather long time, while Tottenham’s recent form has been nothing short of alarming as they desperately seek to keep something of a grasp on the top four. That now seems to have gone, however, with defeat on Merseyside. Having not won a game since 10th February, Spurs’ draw with rivals Arsenal was the only point they managed to earn in March – and they now find themselves with Man Utd also hot on their heels, the Red Devils sitting just behind the north Londoners on goal difference alone. That said, Liverpool needed to be wary of a Spurs side itching to bounce back and go on the attack. The Reds duly delivered with their 2-1 win, though Spurs were looking good to hang on for a point until Toby Alderweireld‘s late own goal.
Roberto Firmino continued his fine showing this season by putting the hosts ahead after 16 minutes, and Spurs fans had to wait until the last 20 minutes when Lucas Moura pulled the scores level. The equaliser had been well deserved, it must be said, and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will be ruing missed chances to even take the win themselves. With the game seemingly destined to head for a stalemate, Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris dropped Mo Salah‘s headed effort and the ball rebounded off the former Southampton defender into the net to give Jurgen Klopp’s men maximum points and send them back to the Premier League summit. Their two point lead is slender at best, particularly considering second-placed Man City have a game in hand.
The fact that Liverpool got the job done against one of the country’s other biggest teams – albeit a side woefully out of form – shows that they have the grit and determination perhaps somewhat lacking in recent seasons, and they look set to chase City for the Premier League crown right down to the wire.
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