Liverpool Win At Spurs Shows Solid Performance, Despite Frantic Finish

Liverpool edged a 2-1 win over nine-man Tottenham, and Arne Slot felt there was plenty to appreciate despite a tense finale. The match tightened after Richarlison scored late, yet Liverpool held on for three Premier League points that keep their unbeaten run going and extend a strong historical record against Spurs.

The turning point arrived in the first half when Xavi Simons received a red card for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool then capitalised after half-time, with Alexander Isak striking on 56 minutes and Hugo Ekitike adding a second soon after, before Tottenham set up a nervous finish.

Liverpool’s victory continued a dominant Premier League record against Tottenham, with 35 wins in the fixture. Only West Ham United, with 38,

and Newcastle United, with 37, have suffered more league defeats to Liverpool. The Reds also moved to 127 league goals against Spurs, matching their highest tally versus any opponent, level with Newcastle.

Three points securedpic.twitter.com/tjSnV4NJtNLiverpool FC (@LFC) December 20, 2025

Slot acknowledged that the closing stages coloured many reactions but felt the broader display deserved credit. Liverpool had controlled long spells against 10 players, then nine, yet allowed late pressure. Slot admitted the final minutes were frustrating, although the coach emphasised that converting performances into victories was the main objective.

Slot told Sky Sports: "The thing in football is you always remember the last few minutes, and they were the worst minutes of our total game. If I can calm down a little bit and erase that from my memory, I think there is a lot to like in our performance. I've stood here many, many times and liked the performance a lot, and we were unable to get the three points. Now, for a large part, I liked the performance, and we have the three points. "

Tottenham’s late surge came after Liverpool lost rhythm in possession, a point Slot highlighted when explaining the frantic ending. He said: "We didn't keep the ball when we had the ball. We kicked it away, they got a few free-kicks, a few throw-ins, corners. It became very chaotic and hectic. Overall, we had good control over the game. "

Slot also underlined the wider picture of Liverpool’s form and the contribution from the forwards. "Six games unbeaten, four wins and two draws. We are definitely not perfect yet but both of our number nines scored. Again, positives to take from the game. In the Premier League there is never a game that is boring. If the other team goes down to 10 then wingers are very important. Thats why Jeremie [Frimpong] is the one who created 2-0 with his actions. "

The match had shifted decisively early in the first half when Simons’ dismissal left Tottenham with 10 players for more than an hour. Liverpool eventually made that advantage count after the interval. Isak came on at half-time, finished calmly from close range, then left the pitch injured. Ten minutes later, Ekitike rose above Cristian Romero to head in Jeremie Frimpong’s deflected cross for 2-0.

Richarlison reduced the deficit seven minutes from normal time, giving Tottenham brief hope despite the numerical disadvantage. Liverpool then faced several dangerous set-pieces, yet the comeback stalled when captain Cristian Romero collected a second yellow card in stoppage time. That dismissal eased the pressure just enough for Liverpool to see out the match.

Ekitike echoed Slot’s honest view of the performance while stressing the importance of the scoreline. The forward told BBC Match of the Day: "It wasn't our best game, a difficult game, but we had control, the Frenchman told BBC Match of the Day. It was difficult in the last part of the second half because they pushed and they scored. We kept the result and we go back to Liverpool with the win. That is the most important thing. "

Across all competitions in the 2025-26 season, Ekitike continues to be one of the Premier League’s most productive forwards from open play. Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, on 23, has more non-penalty goals than Ekitike’s 11. That haul includes crucial strikes and key involvements, such as the build-up pass before Liverpool’s opener against Tottenham.

Ekitike described the importance of scoring and confidence for a striker’s mindset. "[Scoring a goal] is the best feeling as a striker," Ekitike added. "You need goals. The most important is the win and to play with confidence, and obviously, if I can help with goals. The first goal I helped with the pass before the assist, so I try to help the team the best as I can and that's the most important. "

This result extends Liverpool’s unbeaten run to six games, with four wins and two draws, reinforcing a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign. The victory over Tottenham combined resilient game management with clinical moments, and while Slot and Ekitike both accepted it was not flawless, Liverpool’s ability to secure points in demanding situations remains clear.