Match Report: Tottenham 3-6 Liverpool – Crazy Christmas cracker
A helpless Tottenham Hotspur got a harsh reality check at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, losing 6-3 to Liverpool in a wild, frustrating, and frankly expected game.
Missing half the starting XI, Spurs never really stood a chance against a well-rotated Liverpool side that made the most of every mistake. Despite flashes of somewhat brilliance from Maddison, Kulusevski, and Solanke, Spurs were completely outclassed. If the scoreline wasn’t bad enough, the manner of the defeat left fans questioning just how long this makeshift defence can hold out in the Premier League.
First Half: Tottenham 1-3 Liverpool
It started ugly, and, spoiler alert, it stayed that way. Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in an inch-perfect cross for Diaz to tap in Liverpool’s opener. Son, of all people, left Trent far too much space. If that wasn’t bad enough, the second goal came in even more comically, with Mac Allister reacting fastest to Szoboszlai’s awkward header and nodding past a helpless Forster.
Maddison gave Spurs fans a glimmer of hope with a clever finish after a rare Liverpool mix-up at the back. But just when it looked like Spurs might claw back into it, Salah turned provider for Szoboszlai to slot in Liverpool’s third before the break. Cue a collective sigh from the fans.
There weren’t any chances created at all and now it seems truer that Spurs only have a plan A. It’s understandable they looked lethargic, given this was the same lineup that faced United in the Carabao Cup, now up against a well-rested and energetic Liverpool side.
Second Half: Tottenham 3-6 Liverpool
If the first half was bad, the second half turned into a free-for-all. Salah added two goals to his tally, including one where Spurs‘ backline might as well have asked for his autograph. A simple cross, a long punt forward—whatever Liverpool tried, it worked.
Kulusevski and Solanke managed to pull two goals back with some decent moves, but they were nothing more than consolations. Diaz grabbed another for Liverpool to make it six, and, at one point, even Alisson nearly bagged an assist with a long pass forward. The visitor’s dominance was so complete that it felt like they could’ve kept scoring if they wanted to.
The game ended with Spurs having more possession surprisingly, but Liverpool waited for their chances and they kept coming. Spurs only had 2 big chances while Liverpool had 9.
Takeaways: Plenty of questions for Tottenham vs Liverpool
1. Djed Spence – One for the future
Let’s give credit where it’s due—Djed Spence did as well as anyone could against Salah. Sure, the Egyptian still walked away with two goals and two assists, but Spence never gave up and held his ground more often than not. Without him, it could’ve been even uglier. Worth noting that he was dispossessed only once and it was his first this season.
2. Archie Gray – A tough gig
Throwing an 18-year-old out of position against Salah and Diaz? That’s asking for trouble. By no means would it be fair to blame him for struggling. It’s not like seasoned defenders have done much better against these two. He gave it his all and this was always going to be a learning experience for him, and while it wasn’t pretty, he’ll be better for it.
3. Defence? What defence?
Let’s be real—Spurs’ backline is as easy to break down as a flat-pack wardrobe. All it took was a long ball or a simple cross to tear the defence apart. Even Alisson nearly contributed to the scoresheet. If Spurs are this vulnerable to the basics, it’s going to be a long season.
4. No Fight, No Bite
The hunger just wasn’t there. Liverpool made 16 interceptions to the home side’s measly 8, and Liverpool won every 50-50 ball like their lives depended on it. Spurs, meanwhile, looked like they’d rather be anywhere else. Winning second balls? Forget about it. It felt like Spurs were happy to let the Liverpool attack play around them while they stood and watched.
5. Kulusevski is him
Say what you want about the rest of the team, but Kulusevski doesn’t know when to give up. Five goals in five games now, and If there was one player who didn’t let the scoreline affect his drive, it was him. If only everyone showed half his determination, the scoreline could have been a bit less embarrassing.
What now for Spurs?
While it wasn’t very difficult to find out where Spurs went wrong and who was responsible, this result wasn’t entirely unexpected given the circumstances. Missing so many starters, Spurs were always going to struggle against the best team in Europe.
With Nottingham Forest up next on Boxing Day, Spurs will hope to bounce back. The return of Rodrigo Bentancur from suspension should help the midfield, but unless the defence tightens up, it’s hard to see a dramatic turnaround.
So, Spurs really have to face this same Liverpool side in the semi-finals again? And not just once, but twice? Honestly, it’s hard to feel optimistic. Sure, I’d be more confident if we had some of our injured players back, but if the team doesn’t show any signs of improvement, we could be in for a repeat of this chaos. I’m not setting my hopes too high—better to brace for the worst and avoid heartbreak.
That said, let’s not forget Spurs have made their way to the semi-finals the hard way: a dramatic late comeback against Coventry, followed by knocking out both Manchester clubs. Compare that to a certain team who breezed past Bolton, Preston, and Crystal Palace to reach the same stage and are now against Newcastle.
Spurs are pretty much stuck in the mid-table until the year ends, and I can’t help but say, 2025 looks promising. For now, let’s just laugh it off, focus on the positives (yes, there were a couple), and hope Santa/Levy brings us a fit centre-back or two in January. Let’s turn our attention to Kulusevski’s form and forget about the league table – it’s better for our sanity.
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