Liverpool remain unbeaten at home this season after their goalless draw againt Tottenham which takes their unbeaten run at Anfiel to 15 games. However, the Reds will be more frustrated with the result, yet another home draw, 8 out of 12 home games for the Reds ending up with just one point.
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| INTRUDER! Here's the star of the show - the Anfield cat, who made a purr-fect run into the Spurs penalty area in the 12th minute halting the game for three minutes. |
It was a big improvement though compared to the 4-2 thrashing Liverpool got the last time these two sides met, plus two men seeing red on the night (Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel). Tottenham were also the last side to get three points at Anfield, winning 2-0 in May last year.
But Liverpool looked the stronger and more likely to score, more comfortable with the ball and enjoying much more possession. Chances were hard to come by for both sides though, in the first half especially.
The later the game went on, the more pressure and chances were created. Gareth Bale drew the most frustrated picture when he got booked for pushing Daniel Agger after he went down on the defender's challenge. Replays showed there was no contact, but Bale got all fired up. He put a couple of chances high and wide after that, his temper most probably not helping.
Apart from Bale's waste, it was all Liverpool, but Tottenhams' back line stayed rock-solid. Michael Dawson, Kyle Walker and Scott Parker put their bodies on the line when it mattered, blocking and holding the Reds back. The only save of note Brad Friedel had to make was a smacker though, a fine hit by Martin Kelly the goalkeeper punched behind for a corner.
Tottenham's nr 8 Parker got a boot in his face for his effort. It took Luis Suarez less than 5 minutes after his return from a 9-game suspension to find himself in controversy and the referee's book yet again, replays showing how wreckless the kick out was by the Uruguayan.Skrtel was also added to that book after he led with his studs on Bale. The Slovakian defender did get the ball, but it was a very dangerous challenge. Both Red player should be very glad they were not added to the referee's red list!
Liverpool seemed the hungrier but missed and spurned too much, it seemed one of those nights. Then, when Bale broke clear into the Liverpool box, it looked like Spurs were going to nick the three points. The Welsh international looked to put the ball through Pepe Reina's legs but the Spaniard blocked it well and solid. Bale kept on fighting for the ball to see it deflect and eventually cleared. What a let-off that was for the home side!
The last 5-10 minutes seemed like a crazy game of ping pong, backwards, forwrd, give-aways, deflections, Liverpool dominant and more on the attack but just as unable to break through and take advantage as their opponants.
Liverpool will not be as happy with the result, but as they know from past encounters with the London side, or should know, it could have been so much worse! (+ The Reds are still seven points better off than they were at this stage last season!)
Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Agger, Skrtel (booked 76), Kelly; Adam, Spearing, Gerrard; Bellamy (Downing 73), Carroll, Kuyt (Suarez 66 (booked 70)).
Subs not used: Doni, Aurelio, Henderson, Coates, Downing, Carragher.
Tottenham: Friedel; Assou-Ekotto, King, Dawson, Walker; Parker (booked 39), Livermore; Bale (booked 54), Modric, Kranjcar (Rose 87); Adebayor (Saha 71).
Subs not used: Cudicini, Nelsen, Khumalo, Luongo, Lancaster.
1st & 2nd half stats:
Liverpool-Tottenham
Attempts: 2-3 & 7-4
On target: 1-2 & 3-1
Offsides: 1-0 & 0-0
Free kicks: 6-1 & 5-8
Corners: 2-3 & 6-1
Sky Stats:
Liverpool-Tottenham
Possession: 52.3%-47.7% HT, 52%-48% FT
Pass Success Rate: 85%-89.93% HT, 83%-80.51% FT
Action Areas:
Liverpool 6%-48%-46% Tottenham 80.min,
24%-52%-24% FT
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)
Man of the match: Scott Parker
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