Liverpool finally found some form in a 4-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in much-loved manager Juergen Klopp’s penultimate game at Anfield.
Strikes from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott pushed Klopp’s men within five points of leaders Arsenal in the table with two games remaining, and four points behind holders Manchester City, who have a game in hand over both.
Liverpool talisman Salah headed home his 18th league goal of the season in the 16th minute before Robertson doubled their lead with a tap-in just before halftime. Gakpo headed in Elliott’s cross in the 50th, then the midfielder bagged his own with a rocket from 20 yards out that curled into the top corner.
Richarlison and Son Heung-min pulled two back to make for a lively ending, but a comeback was not on the cards for Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs who are fifth in the table.
Match report: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
If this was Liverpool’s last great game under Jurgen Klopp, it told the story of his thrilling era. By Richard Jolly, at Anfield:
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:58
Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
Postecoglou embraces Klopp at the full-time whistle.
What now for the Spurs manager? He doesn’t seem to be getting a tune out of any of his players, except perhaps Richarlison off the bench. The top four is almost out of reach, with Tottenham still seven points behind Aston Villa with only one game in hand.
There is an awful lot for Tottenham to improve this summer.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:34
Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
An entertaining game ends with Darwin Nunez missing a one-on-one as Vicario rushes out to make the save. Liverpool certainly could have scored more goals but they won’t mind too much. A big, convincing win.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:26
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
90+7 min: On Sky Sports, Gary Neville names Harvey Elliott as man of the match, and I can’t disagree. He was fantastic today.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:24
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
90+5 min: Nunez breaks on the counter and tries to square for an unmarked Gakpo in the box, but Van de Ven speeds back to intercept the pass. A moment later an almost identical scenario sees Salah score, but Nunez was offside in the build-up and the goal is ruled out.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:23
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
90+2 min: Seven minutes will be added on. Alexander-Arnold is booked for time wasting.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:20
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
90 min: Spurs are continuing to chase a third goal but it’s not looking very likely now that Liverpool are genuinely alarmed. The scoreline is probably a little flattering to Tottenham.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:20
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
86 min: Salah slips in Dominik Szoboszlai running into the box, but the sub’s low shot goes wide.
At the other end, Richarlison escapes Virgil van Dijk’s attention and gets his shot away but it’s well saved by Alisson, and Gomez does just enough to put off Johnson going for the rebound at the far post.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:16
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
83 min: Almost an incredible goal by Trent Alexander-Arnold! He cuts out a pass on the halfway line and immediately fires at goal, catching out a back-pedalling Vicario, but it sails just over the goal. Such a clever effort.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:12
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
81 min: Salah appeals for a penalty after a Skipp tug, and might have got one had he not been offside.
Lawrence Ostlere5 May 2024 18:10