Tottenham combine tactics, patience, and persistence to take point v Reds

Persistence and patience in Tottenham’s possession

Tottenham worked hard to attack Liverpool quickly when they won the ball in the open field. However, when it came to goal kicks and most of the goalkeeper Hugo Lloris‘s touches, Spurs were committed to building possession from the back.

Time and again, when Spurs were allowed to try and build from the back, they took it and worked the ball into the Liverpool pressure. Sure there were some anxious moments when some poor touches or bad passes put the team under undue pressure, but on the whole, Tottenham stayed patient in building possession when they could.

Before injury time, Lloris may have only hit now ball long, but it was the right ball at the right time, and Spurs hit Liverpool in the gut. Instead of rolling the ball to Dier or Ben Davies, Lloris launched the ball long to Emerson Royal, who was on the left as Spurs had scampered back following a Liverpool counter.

Royal brought the ball under control, dribbled toward the middle of the pitch, and played a hopeful crossfield ball to Kane. Kane controlled the ball and cut inside to attack the Liverpool defense with a sublime first touch. As he did that, Ryan Sessegnon came running up the left, and Kane unselfishly played the ball into Sessegnon’s path.

At this point, Spurs’ Englishman had options; fortunately, he chose the right one as Sessegnon hit a perfect square ball to an unmarked Heung-Min Son for the 0-1 Tottenham lead. It was as beautiful a movement as Tottenham has produced all season and left the Reds asking questions.

Ultimately, the deflection cost Spurs all three points, but it was not because the team had done anything wrong; it was unlucky.

While the point helps Liverpool climb above Manchester City on goal difference, it leaves Tottenham one point back of Arsenal, with the Gunners set to host Leeds United on Sunday, ahead of Thursday’s North London Derby. The result was not quite what Spurs wanted, but they along with Liverpool are still in their race.