Tottenham lose 1-0 to Liverpool on Firmino’s first half winner
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham showed great character in the second half of the 1-0 loss to Liverpool, with Giovani Lo Celso and Son Heung-Min coming close to grabbing a late equalizer.
Overall the better team won, based primarily on yet another slow, sluggish start from the home side. Too often Spurs start on the back foot, giving themselves too big a hill to overcome.
Spurs showed more intent after the interval. Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamela’s introduction changed the complexion, with both Argentinians causing havoc for Liverpool’s rearguard.
Lo Celso inexplicably missed a sitter in the final 10 minutes, while Son’s golden opportunity a few minutes prior was rushed by Trent Alexander-Arnold. The resultant effort flew over the bar from close range.
The inquest as to why Lo Celso or Lamela didn’t start will now commence. Both proved worthy of a starting call from their performances against Middlesbrough. And again today both lifted Tottenham after coming on, showcasing immeasurably more skill and desire than Danny Rose and Christian Eriksen.
Who knows what could have been had the Argentines started, but at least Tottenham made a good account of themselves in the second. Unfortunately that second half effort still counts for nothing in the standings.