Tottenham vs Liverpool LIVE: Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino gain Reds revenge over hapless Spurs
Tottenham failed to bounce back from their defeat against Watford as they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against a Liverpool side that maintained a 100 per cent record from their five games this season.
The meeting of two of the most attacking sides in the league promised to be an eye-catching affair and kicked off a busy day of Premier League football, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City also due to play later this afternoon. But revenge was on the cards for Liverpool in the early kick-off, with memories of their harrowing 4-1 defeat at Wembley last season still fresh in their mind.
Roberto Firmino nearly gave them the dream start as he put the ball into the back of the net just 44 seconds after kick-off, only to see the offside flag go up against teammate Sadio Mane. But Liverpool were by far the superior side and took the lead when Georginio Wijnaldum took advantage of sloppy defending to head the ball across the line - confirmed with the help of goal-line technology.
Firmino eventually made it a deserved 2-0 when he tucked home from close range after a mix-up saw Jan Vertonghen kick the ball against his own post and goalkeeper Michel Vorm fail to gather the rebound, and while Erik Lamela added a 93rd-minute consolation, Spurs didn't deserve to get anything out of the match.
They did it, it was much harder than it needed to be and 1-2 is a scoreline which really flatters the Tottenham players. It should have been about four or five nil, but Liverpool got complacent then conceded a late goal.
Gerogino Wijnaldum opened the scoring with a header that was ruled to be over the line by goal-line technology after Michel Vorm flapped at a cross. Roberto Firmino caught the eye with his performance and added a second, again after a goalkeeping handling error.
Erik Lamela's late strike gave Tottenham something to fight for in the final moments of the match, but Tottenham should have been out of sight had Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah's decisions in the final third been better.
Has Erik Lamela just set up a huge finish at Wembley? He is at the back post and collects a corner, takes his time and fires a low effort into the bottom corner. They have two minutes of added time to find a second goal.
90: A lovely turn from Mohamed Salah opens up the pitch for Liverpool. He works the ball to Sadio Mane, who slices a left-footed shot well over the bar, and again, Jurgen Klopp is furious.
88: Liverpool are beginning to wind down the clock and Tottenham are playing into their hands by making little fouls that take the sting out of things.
84: Mohamed Salah embarks on a twisting run but gets crowded out before he can get a decent shot away. Daniel Sturridge was square if he looked up and Jurgen Klopp is livid that he didn't.
At the other end Erik Lamela drags a shot wide and Harry Kane tires to convert a header from close range but Alisson is well placed. Klopp still fuming.
80: There seems to be little left in Tottenham and the likelihood of a comeback is very unlikely.
In fact, Liverpool look more likely to score now, if they want. Mohamed Salah gets the ball onto his left foot and tries to curl it into the far corner, but Michel Vorm read his intentions. Sadio Mane can't convert the follow up then misses a chance of his own.
67: Christian Eriksen volleys at goal and Harry Kane tries to flick the ball in with the back of his heel, but the ball goes up instead of in. When things are going your way you imagine that lands in front of Kane. Today is neither his or Tottenham's.
63: Another amazing chance goes begging and Jurgen Klopp is left speechless with his arms outstretched.
Sadio Mane leads the attack and eventually plays the ball to his left to Naby Keita, who has a shot saved. Mohamed Salah was free to his right and was probably the better option.
60: Erik Lamela comes on for Moussa Dembele as Spurs seek a way back into this game. Son Heung-min is also on the bench if Mauricio Pochettino wants to use him.
59: Kieran Trippier catches out Roberto Firmino and is in a position to cross. A low ball is aimed to Harry Kane at the front post, but Alisson beats him to it. Not too much has changed since that opening goal, Liverpool remain on the front foot and Tottenham are flirting with some attacking moved.
Despite encouraging signs from their comprehensive victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in August, Spurs slumped to a 2-1 loss to Watford at Vicarage Road, raising questions over their title-winning credentials.
In contrast, their opponents Liverpool have had a perfect start to the season winning their opening first four games for the first time ever in the Premier League era scoring nine goals in the process and conceding just once.
What time does it start?
Tottenham vs Liverpool kicks off at 12:30pm (BST)
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 11:30am. Highlights will be available on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 22:20 BST.
It’s a big game for…
Alisson: After his howler against Leicester in Liverpool’s last Premier League fixture, Alisson will look to put in a strong showing against a tough Spurs side to prove that he is capable to cut in the Premier League.
Alisson's error handed Leicester a goal in Liverpool's last outing (Getty)
Best stat
7: Harry Kane has had a hand in seven goals in seven Premier League appearances against Liverpool (five goals, two assists).
Remember when…
Victor Wanyama scored a screamer for Tottenham to equalise in their last fixture at Anfield. The game ended 2-2 with two goals in added-time, including a last minute penalty from Harry Kane.
Player to watch
Sadio Mane: Hitting four in his first four Premier League games this season, Mane is a man out to prove a point. Despite an unsurprising focus on the form of Mohamed Salah going into the new campaign, the Senegalese international has been the man Liverpool have looked to this season thus far, having been the most potent of the Reds’ deadly front three.
Sadio Mane has been in red-hot form for Liverpool so far (Getty Images)
Past three meetings
Liverpool 2 Tottenham 2, Premier League, February 2018
Tottenham 4 Liverpool 1, Premier League, October 2017
Liverpool 2 Tottenham 0, Premier League, February 2017
