Liverpool continued their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League encounter at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds came into the game off the back of a 100% record prior to the international break. Klopp’s men had won all four of their opening encounters but faced the first real test of their title credentials against Spurs.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s men also had a good start to the season but had their perfect record ruined last time out against Watford and were certainly looking to bounce back with a home win over a top-six rival.
Last season, Spurs handed the Reds their heaviest defeat of the campaign with a 4-1 win, prior to the 2-2 draw in the return fixture at Anfield.
Liverpool started the game on the front foot and thought that they opened the scoring with just 44 seconds played. Roberto Firmino’s shot flew into the bottom corner; Sadio Mane, however, was in an offside position and attempted to get a touch to the shot, ruling the goal out.
Spurs looked shell-shocked from then and were lucky not to concede the opener on a couple of occasions after giving the ball away at the back.
The Reds then finally found the opener with 39 minutes gone. The home side failed to deal with a corner properly and the ball looped out to Georginio Wijnaldum who directed his header on target but it needed the help of goal-line technology before being awarded.
Klopp’s men deservedly led at the break.
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Liverpool again started the better of the two, but it was Spurs who created the first real chance as Lucas Moura used his pace to drive past the defenders before unleashing a shot which hit the post.
Shortly after that chance, the Merseyside team doubled their lead. Mane cut the ball back into the box which was turned on to the post by Jan Vertonghen. The rebound slipped through Michel Vorms’ hands before falling at the feet of Firmino, leaving the striker with the easiest of tap-ins, 2-0 to the visitors with 54 minutes gone.
Spurs looked to find a way back into the game, but despite having more of the ball, they were struggling to create any chances of note.
As the game ticked into stoppage time, Pochettino’s men won a corner, which was whipped into the back post and found Erik Lamela. The Argentinian controlled the ball with his chest before driving the ball home from an extremely tight angle.
That goal made for a nervy last few minutes for Klopp and his team but they managed to hold on for a 2-1 win to maintain their perfect start to the season and remain top of the Premier League.
