Liverpool were in desperate need of victory over Tottenham. They got those three points, even if the match was as much about Spurs’ poor performance as Liverpool’s return to form. Anfield had something to cheer for the first time in 2017, Jurgen Klopp will be optimistic that this victory was as much about turning a corner as the immediate boost to their top four credentials.
Sadio Mane was fantastic once again, the midfield functioned as it did earlier in the season and even the defence was less chaotic. Liverpool’s record against the top teams has not been an issue, though. Throughout this campaign they have reserved their best performances for the biggest occasions, often spurred on by their expectant fans. The extra space awarded by their top six rivals has lent itself to Liverpool’s style of play under Klopp, as was wonderfully proven against Spurs on Saturday.
The German coach has an issue, though. Whether it is a case of motivation or it is down to their high-paced approach, Liverpool’s woes against teams who look to absorb pressure are likely to continue. Sucker-punched by Hull, carved open by Swansea, and restricted to minimal opportunities by Chelsea, there is a definitive game plan for how to succeed at Anfield.
Teams – the pragmatic ones at least – will follow that same approach. Stay to an organised, narrow structure behind the ball and play quick, direct passes through Liverpool’s midfield press when you receive possession.
Unless Liverpool find a way to conquer such an approach, their successes in the ‘big’ matches are almost irrelevant. Beating Tottenham would have been a statement of significant title intent had they not dropped points to Hull and Swansea, but instead it was a victory to end a slump and keep them out of the now-infamous sixth place, bottom of the top league.
A run of form similar to their start-of-season performances could yet give Liverpool the slightest sniff of the Premier League title. In truth, though, even securing a place in the top four currently looks a long shot.
While others have addressed their weaknesses, Liverpool are yet to provide an answer to their continued problems defensively or with breaking through a low block. Klopp can argue he does not have the tools at his disposal, but a failure to sign players in January could haunt Liverpool through the second half of this campaign.
An utterly dismal start to the calendar year should not be papered over despite the brilliance of their display against Spurs. A Liverpool team with clear weaknesses are vulnerable – particularly against the weaker teams – and it has ultimately cost them a shot at the Premier League title. Victory at the weekend may have been a relief, but it actually just amplifies the Reds’ weaknesses: Spurs looked so bad precisely because they didn’t play the right way to expose them.
Liverpool cannot claim to be surprised when teams play with a deep defensive line against them this season. Everyone’s game plan against Klopp’s teams will be obvious, pre-meditated and entirely understandable. The onus is now on Liverpool to prove they can find a way around it.
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