Tottenham player ratings in loss to Liverpool: Two players shine

There was some promise shown in Tottenham’s first half display against Liverpool, with two players in particular offering hope amidst the disappointing loss. 

Here are the player ratings from yesterday’s 3-1 loss to Liverpool, who are now four points clear of Tottenham. It was also the sixth time in a row Spurs have fallen in the league to the Reds.

Defence

Hugo Lloris: 4/10

Hugo Lloris endured a dismal performance. Sometimes you need your goalkeeper to come up with a massive timely save or two. Unfortunately things went the other way for Lloris, who has to share the blame with Eric Dier on Liverpool’s opener. Nowhere nearly brave enough, Lloris allowed the ball to roll across his body, just a few yards from the goal line. It was a moment as unnerving as it was bizarre. The Frenchman also wasn’t good enough on Liverpool’s second, diving slowly and parrying inexplicably back into danger. It was a match he’ll soon want to forget. Unfortunately those haunting mistakes might not let him.

Ben Davies: 5/10

Surprisingly one of the best of Tottenham’s back three on the day, Ben Davies actually played decently for long periods. However, he didn’t react quickly enough at times to Liverpool’s swift movement. Trent Alexander-Arnold got the better of him for the most part, with the Reds’ right back spearing home his side’s second goal. While Lloris was more to blame, Davies’ slow reaction didn’t help matters.

Eric Dier: 4/10

I cannot get Liverpool’s opener out of my head. While Eric Dier played confidently for the lion’s share of the contest, his inexcusable inability to clear his lines on Roberto Firmino’s goal sealed the home side’s fate. Conceding a goal of that nature so deep into injury time changed significantly the complexion of the match. And Dier has to look at himself in the mirror and take the brunt of the blame when reflecting on the defeat.

Joe Rodon: 5/10

Joe Rodon, other than for one catastrophic mistake, played pretty well. He was confident, poised and made some excellent last-gasp tackles. However, his inexperience shone through on Liverpool’s third, when he tried to control a threatening cross rather than knocking it into the 12th row. He inadvertently knocked it right into Sadio Mane’s stride, who clinically finished on the half volley.