Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Liverpool: 5 Talking points

Liverpool and Tottenham battled out a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane in Jurgen Klopp’s first game as Liverpool’s manager. The game dissipated in the second half after a lively first 45 minutes but both clubs will be pleased to come away with a point. Here are 5 points to take away from the encounter.

1. Plenty of chances, none taken.

Tottenham had 13 shots at goal and Liverpool,12, but neither side were able to find a goal. Harry Kane looked lively for Spurs and could have got two had it not been for some brilliant saves from Simon Mignolet.

The best chance of the game came in the 10th minute.  A Liverpool corner was met with the head of Emre Can which then was diverted onto the cross-bar from Origi. The ball just wouldn’t fall comfortably for a Liverpool player and Tottenham were able to clear.

Minutes later, Clinton N’Jie hit a superb volley which just fizzed above the crossbar.   Great chances, but neither could find a way to put the ball in the back of the net.

2. Goal-keepers on top of their game

Arguably, Liverpool’s keeper had more work to do than his counterpart. Mignolet was on top of his game, twice keeping out Harry Kane with magnificent saves. He made a terrific stop from a lovely outside of the boot volley from N’Jie after a fine Tottenham Hotspur move and even did well to prevent a corner, chasing down a spinning ball after it deflected off Skrtel and looked set to be going out.

Hugo Lloris didn’t have any outstanding saves to make but played a brilliant role as sweeper keeper, coming out of his comfort zone several times to make some vital interceptions.

3.  Great start from Liverpool, but couldn’t keep it going

Liverpool made a brilliant start to the game, pressing every Tottenham player who received the ball and not giving the home side any breathing space on the ball whatsoever. They looked lively and ready to pounce on every mistake Spurs made and almost scored in the 10th minute when Origi’s header smacked the cross-bar.

However, they could not maintain the high tempo and Spurs eventually found their way into the game, dominating the rest of the half. Liverpool did manage to end the game with a bit more possession (52% to Tottenham’s 48%) but couldn’t find the goal that mattered most.

4. A first glimpse into Klopp’s tactics

Jurgen Klopp made his first appearance in the dugout as Liverpool manager and stuck to his favoured 4-3-2-1 formation. Liverpool were quick out of the blocks and had the upper hand for the opening 20 minutes.

Klopp’s message in the build up to the game was that he wanted his players to play without fear, with “open chests” and with high pressure and they did not disappoint, playing at a good pace and with high pressure.

It will take some time for Liverpool’s player to fully adjust to the manager’s expectations and tactics, but that’s only natural and Klopp will be pleased with what he has seen so far.

5. Brilliant defending

Surprising, considering both of these sides are known to have terribly suspect defenses. Both teams defended brilliantly making it hard for either team to score.

Liverpool were especially lucky to have  keeper Simon Mignolet in such sublime form but Sakho and Skrtel put in good performances to prevent Tottenham from grabbing a goal that would have proved to be the winner.

Sakho was at hand to block Dele Alli’s brilliant volley after Kane’s shot was parried by Mignolet and it proved to be a key moment in the game as Liverpool ended the game with a clean sheet.

Tottenham’s defense was also on point with Walker, Rose, Alderweireld and   Vertonghen doing brilliantly to keep out early pressure from Liverpool. They were tight at the back and looked very secure.

There were occasional slip ups from both defenses but it was a good, compact performance from either side.