Individual errors cost Tottenham dearly in 3-1 loss to Liverpool

A rash of individual mistakes at the back cost the home side dearly in the disappointing 3-1 loss to Liverpool, all but ending Tottenham’s title hopes. 

There was nothing funny about Tottenham’s comedy of errors on Liverpool’s opener deep into first half stoppage time. Jordan Henderson advanced uncontested into a prime position to knock it into Sadio Mane’s stride, who easily ran behind Serge Aurier.

Harry Kane, who damaged his unstable ankle earlier in the half, couldn’t get across to challenge Henderson’s through ball. Mane had the beating of Aurier all half, again highlighting the Ivorian’s defensive fragility.

Neither Hugo Lloris or Eric Dier took control of Mane’s soft cross, both allowing the ball to pass dangerously in front of the Frenchman’s goal. While Lloris should be more brave and take control of the situation, Dier cannot sit idly by and allow a cross to come across his body in such a perilous position. Roberto Firmino couldn’t believe his good fortune, touching in from a yard out.

Lloris didn’t cover himself in glory after the break either. Mane yet again popped up in a dangerous position, this time getting the better of Matthew Doherty, who was unable to cope with the Senegalese’s swivel. Lloris parried Mane’s shot right back into danger and Trent Alexander-Arnold smashed the rebound home.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, far and away Spurs’ best performer, smashed a wonder strike to cut the deficit in half. But that joyous moment was short-lived, as Joe Rodon made an inexperienced, calamitous mistake, putting it on a platter for the obliging Mane. Rodon had performed admirably beforehand, but it only takes one indecisive moment to ruin a good day’s work when playing against such quality.

It’s not the first time this narrative has reared its ugly head. Jose Mourinho’s game plan relies on immaculate, error-free football. Unfortunately this side, particularly in defence, is prone to at least one blunder a match.

Mourinho will ruminate about what could have been. Spurs now have a mountain to climb in the table to threaten the top two spots. A top-four spot is still within their grasp but any title challenge fizzled away with this evening’s loss. So it’s back to the drawing board for Mourinho, whose attempt to silence Liverpool with three centre backs failed to live up to his lofty expectations.