The Fabinho question that Klopp must answer
It's the one question that has nagged away at Liverpool supporters, the issue on which few can completely agree.
The defence, bar some minor tweaking, is arguably settled. So too the front three.
The make-up of the midfield, though, has prompted more debate than the rest of the team put together.
Little was settled here against Tottenham Hotspur, a display that only cast further doubt over who should be in the engine room.
Jurgen Klopp opted for the triumvirate of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum, a combination that purred when Liverpool were on top during the first half.
We're reacting to Liverpool's late win against Tottenham HERE
After the break, however, matters were markedly different, Tottenham wresting the initiative and dominating.
Henderson in particular struggled, while Wijnaldum became overpowered and Milner less effective.
Jurgen Klopp hails Fabinho impact as Liverpool manager salutes Anfield support after last-gasp Tottenham victory back towards Liverpool and gave some justification to those who believe the Brazilian should have started having once again been benched for a game against leading opposition.
Klopp qualified such praise by pointing out Fabinho was introduced against tiring legs.
But there's no doubt Liverpool needed his poise and composure during such a frenzied finale.
The Reds were in danger of losing control not just of the match, but their Premier League title chances.
Does Klopp dare drop Fabinho again during the run-in?
Robertson puts his teeth into Tottenham
Andy Robertson knows a thing or two about teething troubles.
Having taken time to settle at Liverpool last season, the left-back was bothered during the international break by a dental problem that required surgery and forced him to miss Scotland's humiliation in Kazakhstan.
Back in more welcome surrounds, though, Robertson demonstrated against Tottenham Hotspur he's lost none of his usual appetite.
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A brilliant, trademark curling cross from the left to create Roberto Firmino's opener was his ninth Premier League assist of the season – the most by a Liverpool defender in one campaign, beating the previous best of Stig Inge Bjornebye, and a figure only twice surpassed by any Premier League defender.
It also meant Robertson now has as many all-time top-flight assists as former great England hope Jack Wilshere.
While Robertson's attacking talents are undisputed, his defensive nous can be overlooked.
He was, though, in the right place at the right time to prevent Christian Eriksen scoring what appeared a certain goal after the interval.
On the other flank, Robertson's all-action display was matched by that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose succession of whipped corner deliveries were always Liverpool's best threat in the second half.
And, of course, it was the right-back's deep cross that allowed Mohamed Salah to set in motion the series of events for the winner.
No wonder Klopp places such value in his full-backs.
Firmino gets his eye in
Roberto Firmino had good reason to remember his last encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.
A finger in the eye from Jan Vertonghen left the Brazilian, scorer of Liverpool's second in a 2-1 win at Wembley back in September, momentarily fearing for his sight.
So it was perhaps fitting it was Firmino who ghosted in between Vertonghen and Davison Sanchez to head home the opening goal and set the Reds on their way to another triumph against the Londoners.
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Firmino has a happy habit of scoring in big games. As well as in both games against Tottenham, he's netted at Manchester City, a late winner in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain and first career hat-trick in beating Arsenal.
Sadio Mane saw his run of scoring in consecutive home games end at six, but the delight shown by Mohamed Salah at the winner – and his subsequent post-match comments – suggest that, even though it will go down as Toby Alderweireld's own goal, it could revitalise his self-belief for the run-in.
Barely a month ago, Tottenham were considered genuine title challengers. They now stand 18 points behind Liverpool, who are on 79 after 32 games – the same number they managed over the entirety of their last title-winning campaign in 1990.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have their own reasons. But that Jurgen Klopp's side have been able to open up such a big gap in such a short amount of time underlines how relentless they have been in keeping pace of Manchester City.
This is the business end of the season. It doesn't matter how you win, as long as you win.
And Liverpool keep winning. Don't City know it.
