Premier League 2024/25: Liverpool run riot at Tottenham to remain top at Christmas

Premier League 2024/25: Liverpool run riot at Tottenham to remain top at Christmas

New Delhi: Liverpool surged four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a devastating 6-3 victory over Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Arne Slot’s side delivered a commanding performance, ruthlessly exposing an injury-ravaged Spurs team that struggled to cope with the relentless attacking pressure. Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, heading home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint cross.

The lead was doubled 13 minutes later when Alexis Mac Allister found the net with another header, capitalizing on Spurs’ defensive vulnerabilities. James Maddison briefly gave the hosts hope with a superb curled effort for his eighth goal of the season just before halftime, but Liverpool swiftly extinguished any comeback dreams when Mohamed Salah set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a composed finish in first-half stoppage time.

In the second half, Salah stole the spotlight with a clinical double that took him past Billy Liddell’s record of 228 goals for Liverpool. His first came in the 54th minute, converting from close range, while his second saw Szoboszlai return the favor with a perfectly weighted pass. Salah’s brace cemented his place as Liverpool’s fourth-highest scorer of all time, with 229 goals in just 373 games.

Get in 💪🔴 #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/abECvx8l3V

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2024

Despite Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke scoring late to make the scoreline slightly more respectable for Spurs, Díaz added his second goal of the night to cap off Liverpool’s dominant display. The Colombian winger, who had a goal controversially disallowed at Spurs last season, shone alongside Szoboszlai, who orchestrated Liverpool’s attack with precision and flair.

Tottenham’s day was disastrous on multiple levels. A pre-match protest against chairman Daniel Levy added to the tension, with fans venting frustration over the club’s lack of silverware since 2008. That discontent spilled into the match as Liverpool took full advantage of Spurs’ depleted and fatigued squad. While the 6-3 scoreline might suggest a competitive affair, it was anything but. Liverpool were in control from start to finish, exploiting Spurs’ defensive frailties with ease.

Player of the Match

Mohamed Salah’s game by numbers vs. Tottenham:

15 touches in opp. box
7 shots
3 shots on target
3 chances created
2 goals
2 assists

What a performance. 👏 pic.twitter.com/QWB5NxQXvV

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 22, 2024

While several players had standout performances, no one deserves the accolade more than Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian was at the heart of every attacking move and tormented Tottenham’s defense throughout the game. Luis Díaz and Dominik Szoboszlai were also in contention, but Salah’s direct contribution to four of Liverpool’s six goals makes him the clear favorite for the award. His goal contributions on the night made him the first player in Premier League history to reach double figures for goals and assists before Christmas.

Salah was involved in everything, scoring twice with trademark composure and setting up two more for his teammates. His two assists were perfectly weighted, one for Szoboszlai and another for Díaz, showcasing his creative brilliance. He also created three chances, had an incredible 15 touches inside the opposition box from just 32 touches overall, and maintained a 60% shot accuracy. Salah’s relentless work rate and clinical finishing defined Liverpool’s dominance. With Salah’s impact on the game extending to every area of the pitch, his contribution was a reminder of why he remains one of the Premier League’s most influential players.

 Matchday 17 of the Premier League weekend wrapped up with a goal fest as Liverpool thrashed Spurs in a nine goal thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today