0-1, 0-2, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-5, 3-5, 3-6 — Talk about a goal fest as fans kept counting the strikes during the recent Premier League Matchday 17 clash featuring Tottenham and Liverpool. Despite being away, the Reds ran a riot against the Spurs on Sunday to retain their lead in the table. Even though it felt Ange Postecoglou could have produced a magical turnaround, they were left bitter mouths, especially Dejan Kulusevski who was rather left more ‘frustrated‘ by the 6th goal from Arne Slot’s side.

There’s a reason why people say anything can happen in a split second during a soccer game. Be it netting that last-minute free-kick or making that crucial penalty save, history has witnessed some of the most unbelievable turnarounds in a few edge-of-the-seat matches. Despite Tottenham trailing significantly on their own turf against their arch-rivals, a glimmer of hope for a comeback emerged.

Even star winger Dejan Kulusevski remained hopeful that his teammates could still turn the tide, only for that faith to be shattered by Liverpool’s final goal as the away side kept their composure until the final whistle. “Honestly, at 5-3, I said that we’re going to do it,” began Kulusevski while sharing his post-match thoughts.

“It was so frustrating to see the ball go in [from Díaz] for 6-3 and after that the game is over. I really thought that it could happen, something special,” added the star winger who himself stepped up to make a difference for his side. However, all the efforts of Postecoglou’s side went in vain as Arne Slot’s side successfully and brutally picked up the crucial three points.

To be fair, three consolation goals don’t mean that Tottenham gave a tough competition to Merseyside. Liverpool had ignited the spark of scoring goals within the early stages of the game, with the home side’s defense feeling shaky. Mohamed Salah gave threats to the Spurs’ defense but they proved resilient until the goal fiesta hadn’t begun.

Having ended the first half with a 1-3 lead, the final whistle saw a historic 3-6 result on the scoreboard at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Crucial yet consolation strikes from James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke weren’t enough in front of Alexis Mac Allister’s first Premier League goal, a neat finish from Dominik Szoboszlai and a brace from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah each.

While Liverpool will be celebrating their Christmas in high spirits, such won’t be the case for Tottenham, who again fell off the track.

Time for Tottenham to take a New Year’s pledge?

It was just a couple of days before the Liverpool clash that Tottenham were in high spirits. Last week’s 0-5 win over Southampton saw them secure a close 4-3 win over Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarter-final. Guess who are their semifinal opponents? Well, meeting Arne Slot and Co. in a two-legged clash would certainly give Ange Postecoglou’s side a chance to get their revenge.

The first semifinal clash will be played on January 8, followed by the return leg at Anfield on February 6. In the meantime, they will focus on ending 2024 on a high note, as the recent loss left them in 11th place with a tally of just 23 points. Next up is fourth-placed Nottingham Forest, followed by relegation-battling Wolves, before they kick off 2025 with a home clash against Newcastle United.

That only calls for Tottenham to continue fighting for their place and make things right. Otherwise, it may prove to be yet another unsuccessful year.