Mohamed Salah may be on the longest goalscoring drought of his Liverpool career but he played a huge part in keeping their Premier League title hopes alive in a last-gasp 2-1 win over Tottenham.
It appeared Jurgen Klopp’s side were about to hand the initiative to Manchester City after Lucas Moura cancelled out Roberto Firmino’s first-half header, leaving the Reds level on 77 points but significantly behind on goal difference.
However, Salah – now eight matches without finding the net – popped up at the far post to head goalwards; Hugo Lloris could only palm out weakly and Toby Alderweireld got himself in an horrendous mess to divert it back past his goalkeeper in the 90th minute.
It was a narrow escape for Klopp’s side, who return to the top of the table with a two-point lead having played one match more, having faded badly after starting so well.
Here, we rate the Liverpool players.
STARTING XI
Alisson Becker: Looked edgy early on but was untested until the second half, when he held firm to deny Kane but was undone by Moura. 5/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Did his defensive work well, got into good attacking positions and seemed to fancy his chances of scoring directly from a corner. 7
Virgil van Dijk: Read the game superbly and kept Kane quiet, although there was the odd misplaced pass. 7
Joel Matip: Looked steady alongside the rock-solid Van Dijk. 7
Andy Robertson: Made great use of the space he was afforded and delivered a perfect cross for Firmino to head the opener. 8
James Milner: A typical hard-working display, with committed runs and some good delivery. 7
Jordan Henderson: Was always in support as Liverpool attacked but did occasionally lose possession. 6
Georginio Wijnaldum: Showed tenacity and drive in the midfield. 6
Mohamed Salah: His non-stop performance did not end his goal drought but forced the late winner. 7
Roberto Firmino: Liverpool’s biggest threat in the box, his runs kept Spurs on their toes and he took his goal expertly. 8
Sadio Mane: Showed determination in defence and attack and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with a fine effort that curled narrowly wide. 7
Substitutes
Divock Origi (for Henderson, 77): Gave Liverpool a bit more thrust up front as they chased a winner. 6
Fabinho (for Milner, 77): Brought more energy to the midfield in the closing stages. 6
Dejan Lovren (for Salah, 90): Came on to ensure Liverpool protected their last-gasp lead. 6
