Spurs’ title challenge hits a stumbling block at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp described it as a ‘cup final’ for Spurs.
However, Tottenham missed the chance to close the chance to close the gap between themselves and Leicester at Anfield despite a goal from Harry Kane, with the big game finishing 1-1.
With Leicester not playing until tomorrow, Spurs had the chance to gain 3 points on them and close the margin down to just 2 points on The Foxes.
It was an entertaining game in the first half despite the 0-0 scoreline, with Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge squandering the biggest chance as he went through on goal, only to be denied by Hugo Lloris.
Spurs eventually fell behind when Sturridge set up Phillipe Coutinho to score in the 51st minute. It was a cool finish from the Brazilian, who tucked it away in the bottom right-hand corner.
Coutinho almost assisted Sturridge several minutes later as an almost-perfect cross proved to be slightly too high for the striker, as he headed over the bar.
Harry Kane equalised 11 minutes later, but Maurico Pochettino’s side couldn’t go one better and put themselves into the lead. It was a game that could’ve easily gone either way, with both goalkeepers making important stops to keep their sides in it.
The result leaves Tottenham a game ahead but 4 points behind Leicester, who, if they beat Southampton tomorrow, can put themselves 7 points ahead of Spurs with 6 games to go. Spurs still have to play Manchester United, Stoke, Chelsea and Newcastle, who are battling for survival.
Leicester, once they have their fixture at home to Southampton played tomorrow, have some tough fixtures of their own still to go. They also have to travel to Chelsea and Manchester United, and host Everton.
The result was a blow to Liverpool’s Champions League hopes, as they now sit 9 points behind Manchester City who are currently in 4th, and despite having a game in hand it’s a huge ask for them to try and qualify for next season’s elite European competition through this Premier League campaign. It now might be more sensible for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to try and qualify through winning this season’s Europa League, with their first leg of the quarter final away at Klopp’s former team Borussia Dortmund coming up on Thursday.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
