Liverpool Edge Nine-Man Spurs in Chaotic Premier League Clash

Liverpool secured a nervy 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a match marred by red cards and late drama, moving them to fifth in the Premier League standings.

By Chris Posiano

December 21, 2025 at 12:35 AM

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Liverpool clinched a hard-fought 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in a fiery Premier League encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, surviving a frantic finale after the hosts finished with nine men.

Key Match Moments

33': Xavi Simons dismissed for dangerous challenge on Virgil van Dijk
56': Alexander Isak opens scoring before suffering injury
66': Hugo Ekitike doubles Liverpool's lead with powerful header
83': Richarlison sparks comeback hopes for Spurs
90+3': Cristian Romero sees red for violent conduct

The match turned in Liverpool's favor when summer signing Xavi Simons received a straight red card before halftime for a reckless studs-up challenge on Van Dijk. The Reds capitalized after the break through substitutes Isak and Ekitike, who both found the net within 11 minutes of each other.

"We showed real character to see the game out in those circumstances," said Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. "The red cards changed the dynamic, but we need to be more clinical in killing games."

Tottenham's resilience nearly paid dividends as Richarlison continued his scoring form against Liverpool, netting his eighth career goal against the Merseyside club. The Brazilian's 87th-minute strike set up a grandstand finish, with Wilson Odobert forcing a spectacular late save from Alisson Becker.

Controversy and Consequences

The match ended in acrimony as Cristian Romero received his marching orders in stoppage time for kicking out at Ibrahima Konaté. The Argentine defender had earlier been cautioned for protesting Liverpool's second goal, which Spurs manager Thomas Frank claimed should have been disallowed.

Liverpool's victory comes with concerns as Isak joined their growing injury list, limping off after scoring his goal. The result lifts the Reds to fifth place, while Tottenham remain mid-table after their third consecutive league defeat.

Team Lineups & Ratings

Tottenham: Vicario (5), Porro (6), Romero (4), Van de Ven (6), Spence (6), Gray (6), Bentancur (6), Kudus (6), Bergvall (6), Simons (4), Kolo Muani (6)
Subs: Johnson (6), Palhinha (6), Odobert (7), Richarlison (8)

Liverpool: Alisson (7), Bradley (6), Konaté (7), Van Dijk (6), Kerkez (6), Gravenberch (6), Jones (6), Szoboszlai (6), Mac Allister (6), Wirtz (7), Ekitike (8)
Subs: Isak (7), Frimpong (6), Chiesa (N/A), Robertson (N/A), Nyoni (N/A)