Player ratings: Spurs 0-1 Liverpool (Jan 11/20)

Sixteen points clear with a game in hand. In January… Just let that sink in. Not only that but 61 points from the opening 21 games is a new record across Europe’s top five leagues. That means that the likes of Guardiola’s all conquering Barca team, or Juup Heynckes much celebrated Bayern team, never achieved what we have achieved in our domestic league this season. We are witnessing one of the all time great club teams and although we weren’t brilliant tonight, we once again got the job done. Let’s see how the lads got on as they made their latest piece of history.

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Alisson (9) – Ok, so this is a bit controversial but I’m going for Alisson as my man of the match. Now bear with me here. Each player has to be scored on their individual position and whilst Bobby was the match winner and Robbo’s a deity, Alisson put in an almost perfect goalkeeping display today. His reading of the game was brilliant, he came charging almost fifty yards up the pitch to intercept a pass at one stage and it wasn’t the only time he played the sweeper keeper role. Other than that, he made some really good saves in the second half which went somewhat understated because he made them look easy but they weren’t. His positioning was superb however and his handling assured in each occasion. Best goalkeeper in the world bar none.

TAA (7) – Didn’t really display the wicked delivery we’ve become accustomed to and was frustrated in the first half when, in acres of space, he was overlooked in the build up a number of times. I think Trent’s defensive attributes are improving all the time however, especially his one on ones. He’s also physically developed a lot over the last 12 months and is now starting to use that physicality to his advantage. If Trent keeps developing the way he is, we could be looking at the most complete footballer since Steven Gerrard.

Gomez (6) – The only way Spurs were going to score in this game was from an individual mistake and Gomez made countless. Whether he’s anxious at the imminent return of Matip or simply feeling the effects of having had to play a large number of consecutive games, Gomez made umpteen individual errors from a poor first touch in the opening minutes, to sloppy passing, to some crazy karate kick to take it away from Trent under no pressure. He did some things well but needs to cut out those kind of individual errors moving forward.

Van Dijk (7) – Bit of a mixed bag from Virgil. Had to score that header in the first half, that was an inexplicably tame effort, considering the chance and who it fell to. Made a brilliant last ditch tackle to deny Alli but had a few sloppy moments himself. Another clean sheet but our CB’s are capable of playing much better.

Robertson (7) – An absolute tireless display from Robbo as he marauded up and down the wing from start to finish. Heavily involved in the build up, particularly second half but couldn’t find his crossing boots at the pivotal moments and squandered a couple of gold opportunities with uncharacteristically poor delivery.

Henderson (7) – Another who was guilty of individual errors leading to chances in the first half. A poor first touch similar to Gomez and then taking too long on the ball and being caught in possession both led to Spurs having a shot on goal in the opening 20 minutes. Has performed brilliantly in the 6 role in recent weeks however and his tenacity in midfield cannot be replaced. Our skipper had become a lot more tactically astute under Klopp as well and knows how to organise his team.

Ox (6) – After a lively showing against Everton from the bench, Ox was given the nod from the start this week. Showed some nice footwork and quick passing to retain possession in the opening 10 minutes and should have scored when the balm broke to him after Bobby’s early chance. Was unlucky to see his shot come back off the inside of the post. Was less involved as the half wore in until a decent long range effort in the dying stages of the first half. Subbed on the hour mark which was probably preplanned.

Wijnaldum (7) – Was in his way to a 6 after being another who was guilty of sloppy play and misplaced passes m, giving Spurs a lifeline. He gained an extra point for his work in the dying minutes however. When we really needed him whilst seeing the game out, Gini showed what he’s all about. Winning the ball back, shielding it from multiple opponents and even nutmegging opposition players. His play in the last five minutes was vital to us seeing the game out.

Salah (7) – Lively throughout and kept Spurs on their toes but frustratingly loses possession over and over, from repeated misplaced passes to just running into trouble. I’ve learned to live with it however because he’s an incredibly effective player and now has a reputation GGG’s just his presence on the pitch affects how the opposition set up.

Firmino (8) – Unlucky to see his effort cleared off the line in the opening minutes, after turning Eriksen inside out and should have done better with another shooting opportunity later in the half. Took his goal brilliantly however. His touch time take the defender out the game and then the finish… Both on his weaker foot. What a player. Like Salah however, there is still room for improvement in his game, which should be a worrying thought for our opposition.

Mane (7) – Not a vintage attacking display from Mane but if any aspiring youngsters want to look at a player for inspiration, then look at the defensive work that Mane put in second half. The newly crowned African player of the year absolutely worked his socks off and was further demonstration of Chris Wilder’s words last week, that for all our brilliance, we do the basic hard graft better than anyone.

Subs:

Lallana (6.5) – Followed ho his excellent FA cup display with another good performance off the bench. Provided fresh kegs and impetus into our midfield and worked tirelessly, whilst also showing some nice touches. Proving a valuable squad player.

Origi (6) – Unlucky not to score after fathoming a chance for himself with some lovely footwork. Willing runner in seeing the game out as well. Origi is always a handful off the bench for a tiring team.

Shaqiri (N/A) – Still potato shaped.

Klopp-watch (10) – Consecutive 10’s for Klopp but what else can I do? We’ve just set a new points record across Europe’s top leagues, we’re 16 points clear with a game in hand and in his post match interview, he’s talking about how we need to improve. And he’s right! Incredible job he’s doing.

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Summary:

We are simply witnessing one of the great club teams of all time. This was Spurs away, last season’s Champions League finalists and they made no attempt to win the game. Even when going a goal down, they still parked the bus, in the hope of nicking a late equaliser.

The reality is, what was a hard game on paper, we actually made hard work of it. Most weeks Bobby scores his early chance and if he doesn’t, Ox scores the follow up. Likewise, nine times out of ten, Van a Dijk scores that header. If we go in at half time 2-3 nil up as we should have, then we just play keep ball on the second half.

The title seems something of a formality now. Nobody could have predicted the lead we would have at this stage of the season and now there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be looking at records and simply cleaning up the trophy haul left this season. There isn’t a better team in world football right now and retaining the Champions League should definitely be on the cards as well, although Atletico will prove a stern test.

We are witnessing history however troops, so enjoy it while it lasts. Walk on.