Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Liverpool player ratings

Another match, another record broken. Liverpool have made it a habit of engulfing all records before them as they picked up the bragging rights for the best start to an English top-flight season with their 20th wins in 21st games.

The Reds almost got off to the perfect start with Roberto Firmino going close, only for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to hit the post.

The Merseysiders were in absolute control as Tottenham stayed in their own half for most of the first half. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Roberto Firmino powered Salah’s pass across Gazzaniga’s goal.

This was Firmino’s 7th league goal of the season, all of them coming away from Anfield.

Liverpool started off the second half and were the dominant side until the hour mark. Spurs gradually came back into the game with Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Son Heung-Min all missing opportunities.

In the end, it was not to be for Spurs and Liverpool take yet another three points in what is becoming a march to the title.

Liverpool are now 16 points clear of second-placed Leicester City with a game in hand. Next up are arch-rivals Manchester United, the only team to deny Liverpool all 3 points this season.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Alisson Becker (9/10)

Assured and calm, the Brazilian number one stepped up when needed. Made smart saves from Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela as Spurs chased the game.

He came off his line twice to cut off a Spurs long ball and was always available to his defenders for a pass. A calming influence who made it look so easy.

Andrew Robertson (6/10)

An energetic performance by the fullback who bombed up and down the flank. A bit casual with a couple of passes to Alisson but thankfully the alert Brazilian was up for it.

Lost Lo Celso in the dying minutes as the Argentinian somehow contrived to miss from 4 yards out.

Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10)

Another imperious performance by the colossal defender. Won everything in the air and marshalled Gomez well.

Could have given his side the lead with a free header but hit it straight at Gazzaniga.

Joe Gomez(7/10)

Silly tackle on Moura in the first half that earned him a yellow. Otherwise held the line well as Spurs looked to break on the counter.

Involved in a tussle with Lamela at the end.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)

Not his best performance, considering the recent standards he has set. Got caught upfield a couple of times giving Moura space to run in behind him.

Jordan Henderson (7/10)

Not the midfield juggernaut of late. Uncharacteristically lost the ball twice but was thankfully spared by Tottenham’s profligacy.

Grew into the game as Liverpool dominated the first hour. Sprayed the ball around and kept things simple.

Georginio Wijnaldum (6.5/10)

A characteristic display from the Dutchman who kept the ball well and sprayed possession around. Almost cost his side by losing the ball in his own half. Thankfully for him, Son couldn’t’ capitalize.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6/10)

Should have scored in the second minute but saw his shot come off the post. A few energetic runs in the first half but couldn’t really do anything effective with the ball.

Came off after the hour mark for Adam Lallana as Liverpool

Mohamed Salah (6.5/10)

Blew hot and cold and had a shot fizz just wide before the break. Set up the goal for Firmino with a well-weighed pass that took Japhet Tanganga out.

Was quiet for large periods but came alive when he had space to run into. Came off in stoppage time for Xherdan Shaqiri.

Roberto Firmino (7/10)

The Brazilian continued his habit of scoring against Tottenham with yet another away goal. Had a shot in the opening minute blocked by Tanganga as the Reds started strongly.

Sidestepped the defender’s tackle with ease as he slotted in Salah’s pass past a helpless Gazzaniga to give his side the lead. Always a threat around the Spurs penalty area.

Sadio Mane (7/10)

Wasn’t involved in the game as much as he would have liked. Ran with pace and power at times but mostly the game just passed him by. Did well tracking back whenever Liverpool lost the ball in midfield.

Came off for Divock Origi as Jurgen Klopp rung in the changes.

Substitutes

Adam Lallana (7/10)

Kept things simple and was calm in possession. Did brilliantly to win the ball in the dying seconds and showed composure to keep it as Liverpool saw out the game.

Did exactly what he was bought on to do in another impressive performance.

Divock Origi (7/10)

Came off the bench to nearly finish the game off against Tottenham again. Kept the ball well and showed neat footwork. Almost scored after some nifty footwork from the edge of the area.

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Xherdan Shaqiri (NA)

A cameo by the Swiss midfielder as Liverpool sought to run down the clock.