Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick seemed enough to secure Liverpool all three points but Richarlison’s stoppage-time strike salvaged a draw for Spurs at Anfield
Liverpool squandered crucial points in added time once more as they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Tottenham at Anfield, dealing another blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick was the highlight of an otherwise tight first half before the match evolved into a more back-and-forth affair after the interval and Richarlison levelled for the north London side in the 90th minute, securing a vital point for Spurs.
With Chelsea and Aston Villa suffering defeats earlier in the weekend, Arne Slot’s reigning champions had an opportunity to climb to fourth but remain fifth, two points adrift of Villa. Daily Star Sport assesses and critiques the Liverpool performances…
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Alisson, 8 – Impressive on his return to the squad despite Liverpool failing to secure victory. Made a solid first-half save from Souza before two even better stops to thwart Richarlison. Ended the game with six saves despite conceding, reports the Express.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 7 – Repositioned to right-back and defended effectively against Mathys Tel, neutralising multiple Spurs attacks. Netted another free-kick, his fourth this season, taking his tally to 11 goals across all competitions.
Virgil van Dijk, 6 – Enjoyed some solid tussles with Richarlison, including one in the penalty area where the Dutchman excelled in making it as difficult as possible for the Brazilian to find the net whilst avoiding giving away a spot-kick. However, he left too much room for the Spurs leveller.
Joe Gomez, 6 – His first Premier League start at centre-back since December 2024 and was largely dependable at the back until the Spurs goal where he drifted across and allowed Richarlison far too much space.
Andy Robertson, 5 – Sharp defensively when he positioned himself well to block a threatening Dominic Solanke cross towards Souza in the opening period. However, dreadful for the Spurs goal, which costs him marks.
Ryan Gravenberch, 6 – Ought to have done better with one first-half effort following an excellent turn. Fairly subdued second period before a deflected strike landed comfortably in Vicario’s grasp. Dominated many of his battles.
Alexis Mac Allister, 5 – Earned the free-kick from which Szoboszlai netted and would have registered an assist from Gakpo’s attempt had it not been for Vicario, but another inconsistent display from the Argentine who struggled in the second period.
Florian Wirtz, 6 – Orchestrated proceedings in attack and on numerous occasions delivered balls which his colleagues ought to have capitalised upon better. Yet also culpable of forcing Ngumoha too wide with his distribution during one encouraging second-half opportunity.
Jeremie Frimpong, 6 – Sharp and purposeful down the right flank, though Djed Spence kept pace with him on multiple occasions. Delivered an excellent cross to pick out Ngumoha before the youngster dragged his effort wide, but was otherwise largely anonymous.
Cody Gakpo, 6 – Sent one effort laughably off target during the opening period. Saw another far superior attempt tipped against the woodwork by Vicario. However, grafted tirelessly without possession and produced some excellent defensive interventions.
Rio Ngumoha, 7 – Required time to settle against Pedro Porro on his maiden Premier League start. Produced some genuinely thrilling bursts forward and was electrifying in one-on-one situations, including one sublime piece of trickery to help locate Florian Wirtz inside the area. His final ball remained somewhat unpolished, though that’s hardly surprising given his age.
Curtis Jones (Ngumoha 64), 5 – Proved too lightweight in the engine room.
Mohamed Salah (Frimpong 64), 7 – Appeared refreshed and energetic whilst being heavily influential. An outstanding piece of skill created Ekitike’s shooting opportunity and saw one effort deflected behind. Nearly threaded Ekitike through on goal to double the advantage before firing narrowly wide after dispossessing Radu Dragusin. Showcased some exquisite touches throughout.
Hugo Ekitike (Wirtz 64), 6 – Nearly blasted one attempt out for a throw-in and came agonisingly close to converting a Salah delivery which would have left him clean through. Ought to have netted an equaliser during a late breakaway.
Trey Nyoni (Gakpo 84), n/a – A brief appearance for the gifted young midfielder.
Federico Chiesa (Mac Allister 90+1), n/a.