Harry Kane's 63rd-minute strike helped Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw away at Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Englishman took a touch to bring the ball under control and a second to fire home on the turn, cancelling out Philippe Coutinho's earlier opener at Anfield.
Both keepers were kept busy throughout - particularly Hugo Lloris who made a string of saves in the first half prior to the Reds eventually opening the scoring.
Relive how the 90 minutes of action unfolded on Merseyside with Sports Mole's live text coverage below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League meeting between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. That's right – club football is officially back after a two-week break, and this Saturday evening fixture is very much the pick of the bunch on this returning weekend.
There has been plenty of focus on Spurs in the build-up to this clash, of course, but the home side also have plenty left to play for. Any hopes of winning a title in Jurgen Klopp's first campaign on Merseyside have long side evaporated but, with a top-four spot still up for grabs and a Europa League showdown with Borussia Dortmund still to come, the excitement levels still remain at a high.
It had all been going well for the Reds on the back of their slender League Cup final defeat to Man City, as they followed up the cruel loss with a resounding win over the same opponents, before narrowly seeing off Crystal Palace and pulling off a memorable double against rivals Man United in Europe. Then came the 3-2 reverse at Southampton last time out – an almighty collapse having been so comfortable at two-nil up.
That left a sour taste in the mouth heading into the international break, particularly as three points on the South Coast would have put Liverpool right in the mix for the top four. As it is, with the games fast running out, they find themselves seven points adrift of a Champions League berth. It will by no means by a disaster if they were to miss out, but failing to qualify for the Europa League – coupled with no silverware - would surely represent an underwhelming campaign.
That said, this is very much a long-term project being taken on by Klopp, who has certainly managed to ingrain his relentless pressing style on his group of players – something which should lead to a fascinating battle against a Spurs side who also know how to harry and rush opponents themselves. Defeat today would provide another big setback, then, but certainly would not dent supporters' confidence in the German boss all that much.
Liverpool will also have one eye on Thursday's Europa League showdown with Dortmund, as Klopp prepares himself for the first leg of what is likely to be an emotional quarter-final tie. The return fixture comes seven days later, sandwiched by the visit of Stoke City next weekend. Winning UEFA's secondary competition would provide a back-door entrance into the Champions League next term, of course, but there is a long, long way to go before Reds fans can start dreaming of success on the big stage.
Looking further ahead, the Merseyside outfit appear to have navigated past their trickier league fixtures for the season, and are set to end the campaign with a nice run of games on the whole. Creeping into the top four – or at least the top five – should not be completely ruled out, then, but after that loss to Southampton a fortnight ago Klopp knows that re-finding some momentum this evening will be vital to those hopes of gatecrashing a European berth for next year.
Incredibly, it has now been nearly a year since Liverpool picked up back-to-back victories at Anfield, something which can be put right today should they follow up that triumph over Man City last month with three more points against an impressive Spurs outfit. Turning this ground into a fortress of sorts if a key priority of Klopp's, having seen his side throw away many needless points since taking charge.
DID YOU KNOW? Following on from that last point about throwing away needless points, no side has dropped more from a winning position this season that Liverpool. The Reds have let slip 15 in all, with a whopping 11 of those – including all three last time out at St Mary's – coming under the watch of Klopp. That, more than anything, must be rectified in these remaining weeks of the season.
The last time these two sides met, in a Premier League fixture at White Hart Lane in October, Klopp was watching on as Liverpool boss for the first time since taking charge. The German joined amid much fanfare and, on the whole, he has proved to be a success so far at Anfield. However, missing out on the top five and exiting the Europa League could see the season end on a sour note of sorts.
So while Liverpool are desperately trying to keep afloat in the hunt for a place among the division's leading pack, Spurs are very much in with a fighting chance of claiming the big prize – the Premier League title. It has been more than five decades since supporters could get this excited, as false dawns of the past appear to now be making way for something truly remarkable at White Hart Lane under boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Much has been said about the Argentinian coach, who jumped ship from Southampton two years ago, but he really has produced a superb job during his spell in North London. For proof of that look no further than England's meeting with Germany last weekend, where the Spurs players – with the aid of Jamie Vardy - caught the eye more than any others. Dele Alli and Harry Kane in particular have stood out, but Danny Rose and Eric Dier have impressed too.
This is not about individuals, though, but more so about the team working well together as a unit. It all appeared to click into place at around the turn of the year, as a run of six wins on the bounce lifted Pochettino's men from also-rans into serious contenders. Forget about merely finishing above Arsenal this year – ending in second place will go down as a major blow for supporters who remain confident that Leicester will slip-up at some point.
The Foxes will almost certainly drop points between now and the season's end, but will Tottenham be ready to pounce? This is the last time, as things currently stand, that Spurs will play before their rivals before the closing match of the campaign when the fixtures kickoff at the same time. That, surely, has to be seen as major advantage for Leicester, who know exactly what they have to do heading into each match. This clash at Anfield, then, really is a huge occasion which those travelling supporters will be praying goes their way.
The question is, though, will a draw be seen as a good result on Merseyside? Only time will tell, I guess, yet Pochettino will be hoping for his former side Southampton to produce a stellar performance at the King Power tomorrow to halt City in their tracks regardless. Tottenham's only setbacks in recent times have come at the hands of West Ham and Arsenal – taking one point from six on offer – but they managed to get right back on track with a win over Bournemouth two weeks ago.
Tottenham picked up one point from six in back-to-back matches against London rivals West Ham and Arsenal, but managed to return to winning ways prior to the international break with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth. Normal service resumed, then, but still plenty of work for Pochettino and his men to do if they are to further close – and eventually overtake – leaders Leicester.
One thing that has gone under the radar is the way in which Spurs crashed out of the Europa League with a real whimper. Dortmund proved to be by far the superior opposition in both legs – understandably, of course – with that aggregate defeat showing that plenty of work still needs to be done in terms of next season's Champions League return. That can wait for now, however, as Spurs fans know their side have seven games to go to create some real history – starting today at Anfield.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS! The last encounter between these two sides came in October, as Klopp's first game in charge of Liverpool ended in a goalless draw at White Hart Lane. Far from a classic, but that result actually proved an anomaly of sorts as the Reds had won the previous five meetings. Furthermore, the Merseyside club have lost just one of the last 21 home games against Spurs, scoring 15 and conceding just two in the last five overall.
So a huge week ahead for Tottenham, as they follow up today's match with a meeting against Manchester United in eight days' time. Defeat in either of these next two fixtures and it might just be curtains as far as this season's Premier League title race is concerned. After that Pochettino's charges have a nice run to see out the season, but it is now all about how long Leicester can hold their nerve with all eyes still on them.
I mentioned a little earlier how Liverpool have dropped 15 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season - 11 of which have come during Klopp's tenure - but it is a different matter entirely for Spurs. The Lilywhites have recovered 18 points from losing positions, which is the highest figure in the top flight. The bottom line? Even when ahead you simply cannot switch off against Spurs.
Furthermore, Spurs have lost just one of their last 14 Premier League outings on the road. Eight of those away games have ended in victory, while the other five have been creditable draws. Throw into the equation the fact that only 12 goals have been conceded on the road all season, and you begin to see just why it is the Lilywhites are flying so high. Yet a trip to Anfield - a venue they have struggled at in the past - really will provide a tougher test altogether.
Right, hopefully that has whet the appetite a little more ahead of kickoff - which is now just 20 minutes away - so let us turn attention to some confirmed team news from Anfield.
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS!
STARTING XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Can, Henderson, Milner, Lallana, Coutinho, Sturridge
SUBS: Ward, Toure, Allen, Origi, Ibe, Skrtel, Smith
Liverpool show three changes from their last outing prior to the international break, as Jordan Henderson and James Milner both return to the middle of the park. The latter returns from suspension, while Alberto Moreno has also managed to shake off a troublesome hamstring injury which had previously ruled him out of action.
The big absentee for Liverpool is in-form forward Roberto Firmino, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury of late which forced him to sit out Brazil's recent internationals. Firmino has seven goals in his last eight appearances, following a run of one in his previous 17 upon joining last summer, but he will not be utilised this evening. Joe Allen and Divock Origi drop to the bench.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS!
STARTING XI: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose; Dier, Dembele; Eriksen, Son, Alli; Kane
SUBS: Vorm, Trippier, Davies, Carroll, Mason, Onomah, Chadli
Just the one change for the visitors, meanwhile, as Son Heung-min comes in for the injured Erik Lamela. Toby Alderweireld features from the off despite missing Belgium's international friendly with Portugal last week, but countryman Jan Vertonghen is not quite ready to make a return to action just yet following his recent layoff.
That's the team news done and dusted, now let's check in on the pre-match thoughts from both camps ahead of kickoff at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp: "When Tottenham play against Liverpool it is usually not a birthday party. It is a hard fight. The next day Leicester play Southampton - we know what can happen against Southampton. Arsenal should not stop dreaming as they have a few points to get an everything is possible. We are not involved so I am interested but we are involved tomorrow and that is important. It is unbelievable how strong they [Spurs] are - everyone could see it in the [England] national team. That is good for Tottenham but not for us unfortunately."
Mauricio Pochettino: "We need to give the credit to Leicester. They are top because they deserve to be. From the beginning of the season they were fantastic. We cannot take the credit from them. We are in a very good position but we cannot compare with another team. We need to fight. We have seven games and it's important to fight until the end of the season with the possibility to achieve good things. One is the possibility to win the title and the other is to finish in the top four, which is important for us."
Klopp highlighting the talent available to his opposite number, but it remains to be seen whether their international exploits has taken it out of the likes of Kane, Dier and Alli. As touched upon earlier, this is the last time Spurs will play before Leicester this season, so they really need to make that advantage count prior to the Foxes' meeting with Pochettino's former side Southampton in a little under 24 hours' time.
PREDICTION! One thing for certain this afternoon is that we will see an incredible about of energy on display from both sets of players, regardless of their recent workloads during the international break. In terms of the scoreline, this one really is tough to call on the face of it. Spurs have been arguably the best side to watch in the top flight this season, though, so I will back them to claim the narrowest of 1-0 wins.
The atmosphere well and truly starting to build around Anfield now, as both sets of players make their way into the tunnel area. An explosive match can be expected on Merseyside, with both teams still battling to achieve different targets, but who will come out on top come full time? It is very nearly time to find out...
KICKOFF! Liverpool get us underway at Anfield, no doubt looking to feed off this atmosphere to make a positive early start. It will be interesting to see how Spurs tackle the opening stages of this match.
Tottenham's pressing game comes in handy less than three minutes in, as the ball is closed down and subsequently threaded through for Son to race on to. Lovren was across well, however, cutting out the danger to prevent what could have been an early Spurs goal.
It is the visitors who are knocking the ball around and taking control of the game in these opening five minutes, without really asking any questions of their opponents' backline. Alderweireld did however have to remain strong to prevent a ball floating over the top for the waiting Sturridge.
SAVE! The first shot of the match arrives, following the best piece of football of the match so far. Rose was able to pick out the unmarked Eriksen just inside the area, who put his foot right through the ball to test Mignolet's reactions. Good stop from the Belgian!
Liverpool race up the other end through Lallana, yet the Englishman's final ball lets him down. Coutinho was the man running into the box but was not picked out amid a sea of white shirts. Really good, flowing start to this match which remains well balanced.
Plenty of attacking intent from both, but it is Tottenham who are ultimately in control of the match. That is not to say they have necessarily been the better side, though, and arguably the best opening of the match so far has just fallen Liverpool's way. Milner was picked out inside the box, only for a poor first touch to deny him a clean shot on goal.
It is now 50-50 in terms of possession, which many probably expected pre-match when weighing up how this match would pan out. That first goal - should it arrive - could well prove decisive, but Spurs and Liverpool do have contrasting records when going ahead in games.
Son knows exactly what he is doing when tripping a marauding Moreno down the Liverpool left, allowing the Reds to swing in a free kick from deep. The Spaniard brushes himself down to swing it in, but it is very simple for Lloris to collect between the sticks.
Spurs now looking the more likely to make a breakthrough in this contest as they win themselves a corner, which they make a real hash of. The Anfield crowd urge Mignolet to quickly release, but he did not really have too many options high up the field.
Very stop-start at the moment when the ball makes its way into the middle of the park, with Alli this time the culprit when cynically bringing down an opponent. Jonathan Moss will likely have to keep a close eye on these midfield battles as this one pans out.
Almost an embarrassing moment for Mignolet and Lovren, as the latter lets the ball run for his keeper to clean unaware that Kane is hot on his heels. Liverpool just about dealt with the danger in the end, but they simply cannot afford to switch off like that again.
SAVE! I make that one big save aside now, as Lloris gets down well to his bottom right to spare Son's blushes. Moreno's cross was fizzed in and, in an attempt to cut out the danger, the Spurs attacker only diverted the ball onto his own target.
Very little between the two sides in the opening quarter of this match, with both getting in one shot on target so far. The possession count remains locked at 50-50, too, highlighting just how tight this one is likely to be throughout.
YELLOW CARD! Coutinho turns over possession superbly and mounts a break before seemingly being brought down by Alderweireld. Replay show that he more than made the most of the situation, though, and was rightly shown a caution as a result of his simulation.
PENALTY SHOUT! This really is end-to-end stuff at Anfield. Kane blasted the ball narrowly wide of goal at one end at the end of a counter-attacking move, while up the other Milner went down under the challenge of international teammate Alli. Home fans thought the referee had pointed to the spot, but instead he was - correctly - signalling for a goal kick.
Henderson has to be alert to mop up another loose ball, which left many in the home end holding their breath for a second. Alli does brilliantly to chest the ball down for Kane, only for his teammate's return cross to be cut out in a simple manner.
The game is going through a bit of a quiet spell at the moment, with not a great deal happening in the attacking areas of the field. Liverpool's latest corner, taken by Coutinho, is nodded away at the front post and eventually knocked behind for a Spurs goal kick.
CHANCE! Best opening of the game so far falls to way of Sturridge, but he is unable to find a way past Lloris when played through by Coutinho. The Englishman should have done better, yet credit must also be given to the Spurs stopper for getting down well.
SAVE! Another opportunity for Liverpool to open the scoring at Anfield, which Lallana also fails to truly make the most of. Coutinho was again involved when picking out his teammate, who saw his shot turned away by Lloris.
SAVE! It's all happening now in this intriguing Premier League clash! Kane is seemingly through on goal but sees his shot blocked superbly by Lovren just five yards out to prevent what surely would have been an opener. Liverpool attack up the other end and Coutinho's scuffed attempt is somehow clawed aside by an increasingly busy Lloris.
So a frantic five-minute spell in this match, in which both sides squandered chances to open the scoring, but in the end it was Sturridge's rushed one-on-one which proved to be the best of the lot. Four minutes to go before the interval but somehow no breakthrough just yet.
Four shots on goal for Liverpool compared to their opponents' solitary 1. Alli looks to change that, though, by taking on a tough attempt which Mignolet gets down in a routine enough manner to collect.
Just one minute of added time to come at Anfield following a frenetic opening 45 minutes of football. We are unlikely to see a goal prior to the break, but plenty of encouragement ahead of the second half on Merseyside.
HALF TIME: LIVERPOOL 0-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
All square at half time, then, but certainly plenty of chances for both sides to open the scoring. The first shot of the match arrived seven minutes in, as Eriksen got on the end of Rose's pull-back to force Mignolet into a decent stop. A poor first touch denied Milner up the other end moments later, although Lloris was called into action when Son's clearance ended up heading for his own net.
Kane was unable to keep his composure when played through at a tight angle at one end on the half-hour mark, but seconds later Liverpool thought they had a penalty when Alli brought down Milner. Moss appeared to point to the spot, yet it turned out he was instead awarded a goal kick which turned out to be the right call.
A frantic five-minute spell followed; Sturridge missing the game's best opening so far when played through by Coutinho, while Lallana and the Brazilian attacker were themselves both denied by the busy Lloris in some style. Kane was again involved late in the half, seeing his shot blocked superbly by Lovren with what proved to be probably his side's best chance of the half.
BENCH WATCH!
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Toure, Allen, Origi, Ibe, Skrtel, Smith
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUBS: Vorm, Trippier, Davies, Carroll, Mason, Onomah, Chadli
Plenty of tackles in that goalless first half, but no sign of a goal just yet. Both sets of players are now back out on the field of play ahead of the second 45 minutes.
RESTART! We are back underway at Anfield, with neither side making a change at the interval. Plenty of options available to both bosses, but they are likely to keep any alterations until around the hour mark.
A chance for Alli early in the second half, though it was certainly not an easy one. Kane floated a ball into a dangerous position and it was the young Englishman who read the danger quickest. He got his head on the cross but could only flick wide of the target.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (PHILIPPE COUTINHO)
Liverpool take the lead in this cagey Premier League clash through that man Coutinho. I was about to mention how the Brazilian was growing in confidence in the hole and, having once more been given space in that zone of the pitch, a quick one-two with Sturridge freed him to simply pass the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Well that goal should now change the complexion of this game, but it is by no means a decisive strike from Coutinho. Liverpool have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the division, remember, while Spurs have claimed more from losing positions. Still plenty of football to be played on Merseyside.
CLOSE! Coutinho again proving to be the telling player on the pitch, picking out Sturridge towards the back post with a fine cross which the Englishman can only head over the bar. A good chance for the Reds to double their tally, that, which they have failed to make the most of.
CLOSE! Son so nearly volleys home a wonder goal for the visitors, which just lacked the precision needed. Think Robin van Persie vs. Villa a few years back - a ball over the top which was met near perfectly but - on this occasion - had a little too much on it.
We have reached the stage in the game in which Pochettino must surely be thinking about making a change or two. The onus very much on Spurs at the moment, but they have been unable to really create too much since going behind.
The speed of the game remains incredibly high and, despite the Coutinho goal, is still very tough to call. Surely there is more than the one goal in this one, as we now enter the final third of the contest at Anfield.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (HARRY KANE)
Well from pretty much nothing Harry Kane buries the ball beyond the reach of Mignolet to bring Spurs back on level terms. Eriksen deserved a huge slice of credit for keeping the ball in play on the right, but Kane's finish on the turn really was superb. What a game we have on our hands!
SAVE! Great stop from Mignolet to deny Spurs a quick-fire second. Eriksen was afforded too much space around 20 yards from goal, putting his foot well through the ball but being denied by the Belgian to his bottom right.
This one really is impossible to call now, as a spell of Spurs pressure is ended by Liverpool when they win themselves a corner. The set-piece itself was poor, but Coutinho was picked out in the next attack and saw his cross somehow go right across the face of going without a telling touch.
Chadli was brought on for Son a few moments ago, incidentally, marking the first change of the game. Prior to that Emre Can picked up a 10th yellow card of the season to earn himself an automatic ban. It is all Liverpool at the moment, but they cannot test Lloris.
LIVERPOOL SUB! Sturridge has had chances this evening which he has failed to take; now it's over to Divock Origi to take over in the central-striking role. One change apiece at Anfield, following on from Chadli's introduction a little earlier.
Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring shortly after half time at Anfield, but Harry Kane levelled up the scores 62 minutes in to leave this one delicately poised heading into the final quarter.
Coutinho is really enjoying himself out towards the right this evening, again causing a danger when getting to the byline and getting a cross into the box. Walker was there to bloke it this time at the expense of a corner, which sails straight through the box.
Some more good play by the visitors, this time after Eriksen chipped one over the top for Alli to chest down, but Mignolet was quick on the loose ball. Plenty of attacking intent being shown by both sides, despite there being plenty of tires legs out there.
Lloris is currently limping around a little after seemingly picking up a knock. A real worry for Spurs - not just for the remainder of this match but for the remainder of the season. Ten minutes left to play at Anfield where we remain locked at 1-1.
LIVERPOOL SUB! Joe Allen is now thrown on for the closing stages of the match in place of a tired Lallana. The Welshman impressed on international duty, so can he bring that form back to his club side and inspire a dramatic winner?
Just a sign that the game is going to peter out following a quiet spell. A goal now really would be huge for both, particularly for Spurs you must say with Leicester's margin at the top currently standing at four points as things stands.
CLOSE! Inches wide from Coutinho, who couldn't quite pick out the bottom corner when side-footing Origi's squared pass inside the box. Liverpool now looking the more likely to score, but that means very little if the past 86 minutes are anything to go by.
Spurs win a free kick 35 yards form goal, which Eriksen bends a yard or so over the target. Not the worst attempt, but time really is running out for Spurs now to claim all three points. Leicester supporters will be happy enough with this result should it stay the same.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUB! Alli's evening comes to an end, with Ryan Mason on in his place for the dying stages. Both sides now have one sub apiece should they wish to roll the dice one final time heading into the three minutes of added time.
SAVE! Mignolet makes perhaps one final save to push Mousa Dembele's strike behind for a corner. The Belgian did well to get that one out of harm's way and not into the path of one of the lurking Spurs players.
Walker's pressing so nearly creates some late drama but Liverpool survive - just! The visitors win a corner which is cleared away, and that will likely be that on Merseyside.
FULL TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Referee Jonathan Moss blows his full-time whistle to bring the entertaining contest to a close. You have to say, on the balance of the full 90 minutes, a 1-1 draw appears to be just about the fairest outcome. The result will not suit either side, in truth, but at the same time a point from this fixture has to be seen as a decent return.
Well that concludes our live text coverage of events at Anfield, but be sure to stick around as our commentary of the La Liga showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid is just getting underway right here. Enjoy!
