December 19, (THEWILL) – In Sunday’s last English Premier League fixture, Tottenham and Liverpool fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw, guaranteeing the Reds will finish the weekend heading into Christmas three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Prior to the game, both sides were plagued with COVID-forced absences, and the makeshift starting lines made for a ridiculously open match in north London.
Things got off to a hectic start, with both sides having chances early on, and there was no surprise when Spurs claimed the game’s first goal. Harry Kane raced onto Tanguy Ndombele’s through cross and tapped past Alisson.
Minutes later, Son Heung-min slid Kane’s cross just wide of the post under little pressure, before Dele Alli squandered an even better chance when put through one-on-one with Alisson, the Brazilian making a wonderful fingertip stop to send Alli’s effort wide of the goal.
Diogo Jota levelled the scores after rising high to nod home Andy Robertson’s cross for his 10th Premier League goal of the season, making the hosts pay for their wastefulness. When Emerson Royal bundled him over in the box moments later, Jota arguably should have been awarded a penalty, but referee Paul Tierney was unconvinced.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a powerful strike palmed away by the keeper shortly before the break as the Reds finished the first 45 minutes strongly. However, Kane still has time to waste a fantastic opportunity before the most exciting half of the Premier League season thus far was blown for half time.
At the start of the second half, the drama continued as the England captain missed two more presentable chances, first having an effort blocked by Alisson and then tipping over when unmarked at the back post.
Then, in a thrilling few minutes, Dele had a penalty appeal turned down, and Liverpool went down the other end to score through Robertson, who headed Alexander-Arnold’s cross into the net. Spurs players yelled for handball in the build-up, but the goal was upheld.
Liverpool’s advantage was short-lived, with Alisson’s blunder allowing Son to score with the simplest of finishes.
Immediately with, Robertson chose to clean out Emerson Royal on the touchline. The Scot was first cautioned, but after a VAR review, his yellow card was elevated to a red. Spurs pressed for a winner in the final stages, but there was no twist in the tale this time, with Liverpool holding on for a point.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
