Liverpool, once again performing impressively on live television worldwide, reclaimed their four-point advantage at the top of the Premier League (PL) table, thanks to a four-contribution performance from their star player, Mohamed Salah. They defeated Tottenham Hotspur 6-3 in North London, securing their 16th victory in the last 24 top-flight encounters between the two sides (six draws, two losses).
With the two teams set to clash again in the EFL Cup semi-finals early next year, this match provided both managers an opportunity to assess their opposition as they pursue the first major trophy of the season. Liverpool, however, has their sights set on larger achievements, and their dominant first-half display clearly demonstrated why. Just days after a shaky performance against Manchester United, Fraser Forster gifted Salah possession inside Spurs’ penalty area within the opening three minutes. However, the Egyptian’s wide shot into the side netting let the home goalkeeper off the hook.
This early chance foreshadowed the rest of the half, as Liverpool’s attacks relentlessly targeted Forster’s goal. Salah uncharacteristically missed several opportunities. The PL’s leading scorer did hit the crossbar after Tottenham carelessly lost possession in a dangerous position, but Liverpool’s opening goal soon followed. Their persistent pressure down the right flank paid off when Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a signature, precise cross that Luis Díaz expertly headed into the bottom corner.
As halftime approached, Liverpool’s relentless pressure yielded a deserved second goal. A cross from opposite full-back Andrew Robertson was poorly defended by Tottenham, and Alexis Mac Allister headed the loose ball past Forster. The Argentinian then quickly transitioned from hero to villain, losing possession to Dejan Kulusevski, who set up James Maddison to curl a shot home, reducing his team’s deficit. Any hopes of a Tottenham comeback were quickly extinguished, however, as another swift Liverpool attack culminated in Salah assisting Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored in first-half stoppage time.
This assist made Salah the first player in PL history to reach both 10 goals and 10 assists before Christmas. He further increased his goal tally shortly after the restart, scoring from close range after Tottenham failed to clear Gakpo’s cutback, marking his 228th goal for Liverpool – a feat surpassed by only three other players in the club’s history. Tottenham struggled to contain Liverpool’s clinical attacking play, and Salah added a fifth goal around the hour mark after being set up by Szoboszlai.
Despite Tottenham’s commitment to attacking football, which saw Kulusevski score a well-taken volley to reduce the deficit, and Dominic Solanke adding another seven minutes from time after Brennan Johnson’s headed assist, their hopes were ultimately dashed when Díaz scored Liverpool’s sixth, sealing a resounding victory. This result marks Tottenham’s tenth defeat in their last 12 matches against teams starting the day at the PL summit. Sources and related content
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