Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Impressive but a little too late

Being a Liverpool supporter is something that should be classed as a mood on its own this season. From being title contenders, to title favorites, then to top 4 chasers, the Reds have seen themselves go through all the arcs that many teams will rarely go on in a season.

However, the tie against a Tottenham Hotspur team was a game that the Merseyside side obviously needed to put themselves back into perspective heading into the final games of the 2023/24 campaign. Except, the game was a little too late for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.

Aside the obvious narrative of going into kick off hoping to avenge the controversial 2-1 defeat in the first leg in London, Liverpool had nothing to fight for in this tie if anyone was to be realistic.

Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou on the other hand, had every bit of clout to chase with their top 4 hopes getting further at stake as the Run-in closes in for them. With back to back defeats to London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, the Lillywhites needed a win at Anfield to put any pressure on their top 4 rival, Aston Villa who sit 7-points above them on 67-points.

But the hosts had a promise to live up to for their exiting manager, Jurgen Klopp. Though their North London visitors managed to hang on to the ball more, the Reds struck first blood through Mohamed Salah, with Andrew Robertson doubling the lead shortly before the half time whistle.

Liverpool returned with same energy in the second half, with Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliot putting the Reds further up. However, the same tale that has eaten up the Reds this season, came on to bite them again.

Spurs replied through goals from Liverpool nemeses Richarlison and Heung Min-Son to deny Liverpool and Alisson Becker any hope of a clean sheet.

A little too late for either side to hope for anything beyond their power at this stage, but for the Reds, giving the Kop and Jurgen Klopp a game to cheer about, was something well worth a 4-2 score line.

👊👊👊 pic.twitter.com/PpirwAuHwB

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 5, 2024