Liverpool won 2-1 at nine-a-side Tottenham, managing to survive a chaotic final game that saw Richarlison score one as Spurs chased a last-minute equaliser, and Cristian Romero gave Ibrahima Konate a red kick-out.
It looked like business as usual for Liverpool, who took the lead with goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike after Xavi Simons was sent off in the first half for hitting Virgil van Dijk’s calf with a stud.
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Alexander Isak scores for Liverpool but gets injured midway through
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Hugo Ekitike scores Liverpool’s second goal
However, Liverpool’s recent 2-0 to 3-3 draw with Leeds is still fresh in our minds, and there was some late drama when Richarlison added a great goal against the Reds, only to be denied a fast-break double by Ibrahima Konate’s block, costing Spurs a point.
During the game, Romero kicked Konate as he tangled on the floor as the home crowd roared at the wide-forward, infuriated by referee John Brooks. The Spurs centre-back was booked early in the game for bumping into the referee while protesting Liverpool’s second goal, but Spurs manager Thomas Frank was adamant the goal should have been ruled out.
But even without two players, Spurs still threatened, with Wilson Odbert forcing Alisson into a full-strength save with the final kick of the game.
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Spurs were reduced to 10 men after John Brooks sent off Xavi Simmons for challenging Virgil van Dijk while watching the pitchside monitor.
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Romero was shown a second yellow card for kicking out against Ibrahima Konate and was sent off, leaving Spurs with nine men against Liverpool.
Liverpool’s nerves were high but the full-time whistle blew and they moved up to fifth place in the Premier League. There are concerns about Isak’s injury in the process of scoring with Florian Wirtz’s first assist in the Premier League, but it is not bad enough to prevent them from finishing the game in an advantageous situation.
Isak had to hobble away after Micky van de Ven appeared to catch his ankle as he slipped in to block a shot. Isak himself came on at half-time to replace injured right-back Conor Bradley.
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Richarlison gives Spurs a lifeline
Spurs came close to equalizing between Isak’s powerful finish and Ekitike’s towering header, before Randall Kolo Muani’s shot was deflected off Milos Kerkes and over Alisson into the face of Liverpool’s bar.
However, after Van Dijk missed a clearance, substitute Richarlison set up a thrilling end with a sharp finish. It was the Brazilian’s eighth goal against Liverpool, his favorite Premier League opponent.
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Randall Kolo Muani comes close to equalizing for the home team
Despite a poor performance against Nottingham Forest last weekend, supporters praised Saturday night’s performance. However, in the end it was another home defeat for Spurs. This was the 11th in the league in 2025, an undesirable new club record. They have fallen to 13th place.
Frank is proud to play against Spurs
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank:
“I’m very proud of the players and I’m proud of the team. The players have been working very hard on how to deal with setbacks and there was a lot of that today. We saw a team with strong personalities and great character.”
“This mentality, this effort, this energy, I told the players after the game that we need to bottle it up and use it because that’s what gets us going every minute, every game, and we have a great future as a team.”
“The crowd was amazing. For a moment the ball almost went into the goal. If you look at all the shots, it’s unbelievable what we produced from 10 men. I’m very happy for the team.”
Regarding the second goal, he said, “It’s unbelievable. It was a big mistake. There are points that can be argued about the red, and I think you can argue about the two yellow points in various ways, but the second goal was a big mistake.”
Performance amid turmoil boosts slots
Liverpool manager Arne Slott:
“In football, the last few minutes are the most memorable. And it was the worst few minutes of our entire game. I think there’s a lot to like about our performance, if we can calm down a little bit and put that out of our memory.”
“At the end of the day, I’ve stood here time and time again and I really liked the way we performed and we didn’t get the three points. Now, for the most part, I liked the performance and we got the three points, so that’s just what I have to say to myself.”
“When we had the ball, we didn’t hold the ball. We kicked it, we threw it. Then they went to duel, got a couple of free kicks, got a couple of throw-ins. It ended up being very hectic and chaotic. And I think the moment we got the ball, instead of just holding the ball and making it big, playing the ball foot to foot, we lost all the second balls.”
Controversy and confusion: Gary Neville’s verdict on key moments
Xavi Simmons red card:
“Virgil van Dijk is 6ft 4, 15 stone and vice versa he is a leg breaker.
“Thomas Frank is complaining about it, but none of the Tottenham players are complaining. People see it and say, ‘What are you doing?’
Whether Hugo Ekitike fouled Cristian Romero for Liverpool’s second goal:
“I love that goal, it was amazing.
“It wasn’t a foul. He just got up early. Great header.”
Romero’s red card:
“What is Romero doing?! Who is he screaming at now? Go to the dressing room!
“It’s just total insanity for him.”
