Premier League, White Hart Lane -Tottenham Hotspur 0 Liverpool 0
Jurgen Klopp steered Liverpool to a 0-0 draw against Tottenham in the Premier League in his first game as manager.
The pre-match hype was all about the new Liverpool boss and the impact that he could have on the Anfield club, and the evidence of Klopp’s first game in charge suggests that he has already brought the high-intensity pressing and defensive organisation that were such major features of his time at Borussia Dortmund.
The visitors started with a bang at White Hart Lane and very nearly took the lead when Divock Origi crashed a header off the underside of the bar and tested out goal-line technology as his effort bounced off the line.
However, the early intensity from Liverpool didn’t last and it was Spurs who controlled the majority of the rest of the match, with Moussa Dembele particularly impressive in central midfield.
Clinton N’Jie and Harry Kane both forced Simon Mignoletinto strong saves to keep the score goalless and it was Kane again who had the pick of the chances after the break.
Spurs could have won it, but both managers will be happy to leave with a point from such a tough encounter. For Klopp, his Liverpool ‘project’ has only just begun.
KEY MOMENTS
9’ - LIVERPOOL GO CLOSE: It's almost the perfect start for Liverpool! An Origi header crashes off the bar and down on to the goal-line, but Hugo Lloris keeps his feet out of the way to prevent knocking it over the line and does just enough to stop the waiting red shirts from bundling the ball home.
27’ - GREAT SAVE: Mignolet pulls off a wonder-save to deny N'Jie. More Spurs pressing wins the ball back in a dangerous area and Kane unselfishly feeds the French youngster, who curls a lovely shot towards the far corner with the outside of his boot. However, Mignolet is equal to it with one of his best saves in a Liverpool shirt.
36’ - KANE THREATENS: Kane is denied by Mignolet when he really he should have scored and then Sakho clears a goal-bound Alli shot on the follow-up. Tottenham are knocking on the door with increasing regularity, but it's still 0-0.
84’ SPURS CHANCE: Eriksen unlocks the Liverpool defence with a jinking run and tees up Kane, who forces a strong save out of Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino before the game - Reuters
TALKING POINT
Can Klopp turn Liverpool around? We know all about his Dortmund legacy, but making an immediate impact with this Liverpool squad will be a completely different test for the new Reds manager. However, it is clear that he has already identified a group of players who fit his style. Adam Lallana was a revelation in midfield and Emre Can has finally been released from the – faintly ridiculous – central defensive role that he ‘enjoyed’ under Brendan Rodgers.
PLAYER RATINGS
Tottenham: Lloris 7, Walker 7, Alderweireld 8, Vertonghen 8,Rose 7; Alli 7, Dembele 9; Chadli 6, Eriksen 8, Lamela 6; Kane 7. Subs: N’Jie 7, Townsend 6.
Liverpool: Mignolet 8, Clyne 7, Skrtel 7, Sakho 8, Moreno 7, Can 7, Lucas 6, Milner 6, Lallana 8, Coutinho 8, Origi 7. Subs:Allen 6, Ibe 6.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Moussa Dembele (Tottenham) – Faced with the high pressing and intensity of the Klopp-era Liverpool, Spurs were rightly worried about the lack of cover from a midfield lacking the suspended Eric Dier. However, Dembele stepped up with a performance that showed the incredible talent and versatility that he has. So composed on the ball and tough in the tackle, the Belgian may have just played his way back into his manager’s plans.
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