Richarlison rescued a crucial late point for Tottenham in their battle to stay in the Premier League on Sunday, cancelling out Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick to secure a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
After a disastrous 5–2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie in midweek, Tottenham produced a spirited second-half display to ease pressure on interim boss Igor Tudor and maintain a one-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Daily Mail Sport’s LEWIS STEELE was at Anfield to assess the performances from both sides, as Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a major blow.
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)
Alisson – 7
Needed to be sharp just before half-time to parry Richarlison’s close-range header. Let down by his team, who were too leaky.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
Another fine free-kick strike to add to the highlights reel. Helped unlock a tight game, not for the first time this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s sublime free-kick was not enough to earn Liverpool all three points
Alexis Mac Allister (left) put in a shift but was second best for the last half an hour in midfield
Joe Gomez – 6
A rare start at centre back for Mr Versatile, with Ibrahima Konate rotated. Was busier than many expected.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
Bailed out his team early doors as Solanke and Souza had an advantage. His defensive headers were vital.
Andy Robertson – 5
Very nearly signed for Spurs in January and could have been playing against his former team here. Probably glad he did not, though not his best afternoon.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Showed off his top passing range in the first half especially, with a beautiful ball to Wirtz early doors.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
Put in a hard-working shift off the ball but Liverpool’s midfield was second best in the last 30 minutes.
Jeremie Frimpong – 5
Could not impact the game how he would like on the right wing in place of Salah but his pace is always a weapon.
Florian Wirtz – 5.5
Good workrate off the ball and played some clever passes but also was guilty of picking the wrong option on other occasions.
Rio Ngumoha – 7
Gets bums off seats. Lacking the final ball but was a menace and constant danger. His first Premier League start and it certainly won’t be the last.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Started as a No 9 and was unlucky not to make it 2-0, denied by Vicario. Did not have the service he required.
Rio Ngumoha may have lacked the final pass but was a constant danger to Spurs throughout
Substitutes
Hugo Ekitike (for Ngumoha, 64min) – 6
Mohamed Salah (for Frimpong, 64min) – 6
Curtis Jones (for Wirtz, 64min) – 6
Trey Nyoni (for Gakpo 83)
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Chiesa, Kerkez, Konate, Ramsay.
Manager
Arne Slot – 5
Seen this film before. Don’t take your chances and get punished. His team retreated and paid the price.
TOTTENHAM (4-4-2)
Guglielmo Vicario – 6
Simply must do better with Szoboszlai’s free-kick, which was nowhere near the corner when it went in. But a fine reflex stop to deny Gakpo on 36 minutes.
Pedro Porro – 6.5
Never stopped running and trying despite having a tough test up against the energetic Ngumoha.
Kevin Danso – 6
A tough test for Danso who had good moments and bad but given the narrative going into this game, can hold his head high.
Radu Dragusin – 6
Same as above, Dragusin handled Ekitike well when he came on. Gave away fans something to be proud of.
Djed Spence – 6.5
Feared for him at kick-off but the England international put in a solid shift.
Guglielmo Vicario will not want to see Szoboszlai’s free-kick again but made a few good saves
Souza – 7
Only 19 but the young Brazilian left back, playing on the right wing, did not let himself down. Unlucky not to score with a long-range effort early on.
Archie Gray – 7.5
Still only 20 but plays with such maturity in multiple positions. His balls into the box late on left a bit to be desired.
Pape Matar Sarr – 6.5
Looked outnumbered at times in midfield but settled as the game went on.
Mathys Tel – 7.5
Spurs’ best creative outlet. Was let down at times by poor finishing from team-mates but Tel caused problems.
Richarlison – 8 (MOTM)
No exaggeration to say he could have had a hat-trick at least. The Brazilian exploited holes behind Liverpool multiple times and took his goal well.
Dominic Solanke – 6.5
Wanted more from the former Liverpool man but he put himself about and impressed with his hold-up play.
Richarlison’s man-of-the-match display earned a crucial point for Spurs in the relegation fight
Substitutes
Xavi Simons (for Souza, 56min) – 7.5
Randal Kolo Muani (for Tel, 75min) – 7
Callum Olusesi (for Spence, 75min) – 6
James Rowswell (for Richarlison, 90+5)
Subs not used: Austin, Kinsky, Wilson.
Manager
Igor Tudor – 7.5 (Booked)
Deserves credit. Tweaked his system and got it spot on. Subs were bang on, too.