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Liverpool returned to winning ways in the re-run of the 2019 Champions League final, coming from behind to defeat Spurs 2-1 at Anfield. Mauricio Pochettino's side took the lead after just 47 seconds, with Harry Kane pouncing first after Son Heung-Min's deflected effort came back against the post. The hosts were back on level terms in the second half thanks to captain Jordan Henderson, before a 74th minute penalty, converted by Mohamed Salah, handed the home side the lead. - ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now!
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- Premier League winter break: All you need to know Positives The performance of Trent Alexander-Arnold in particular was a big plus, who should have had a couple of assists to his name, and perhaps a goal of his own. Elsewhere, Roberto Firmino showed some lovely touches, while a first goal of the season for captain Henderson will come as a welcomed relief to the player and his manager. Negatives Liverpool's finishing will surely be a worry for Jurgen Klopp, as glaring opportunities were wasted by Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk in the first half. The second period also saw Georginio Wijnaldum and Salah wasting golden chances, although, Salah soon made amends by converting the all-important spot-kick. Manager rating (out of 10) 6 -- Klopp's decision to field Dejan Lovren and Wijnaldum were arguably misguided, with neither having an especially good game. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also may feel aggrieved to have not started after his midweek heroics. Elsewhere, Klopp's selection was largely spot on, with the late substitutions of James Milner and Joe Gomez helping Liverpool to see the game out well. Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating) GK: Alisson Becker 6 -- There was little the Brazilian could do about Kane's opener, but other than that he did well, including holding on confortably to Toby Alderweireld's late header. DF: Trent Alexander-Arnold 8 -- As has often been the case this season, he was Liverpool's biggest creative spark. Over set-pieces and crosses, Alexander-Arnold was a persistent threat, and should have had his name to a number of assists. Unfortunately for him, Van Dijk and Mane squandered key opportunities from the right-back. DF: Virgil van Dijk 7 -- Despite playing Kane onside for Tottenham's opener, it was a solid display for the Dutchman, the likes of which we have come to expect. The rocky start was soon forgotten, as Liverpool's defence, conducted by Van Dijk, wrestled control back well in the second period. DF: Dejan Lovren 6 -- It was his header that unintentionally led to Kane's opener, after he deflected Son's effort onto the post. The rest of the game would see Lovren keeping things tight at the back, although, just after the break, Son escaped the centre-back, and almost made it 2-0 after rounding the keeper. Individual errors remain Lovren's greatest obstacle. DF: Andrew Robertson 7 -- While not as involved creatively as his full-back partner, Robertson was as crucial as ever going forward, with a number of dangerous crosses played into Spurs' penalty box. The Scotland captain was especially influential in the second half, as Liverpool pushed on in search of a winner. MF: Fabinho 7 -- Liverpool's established holding-midfielder has a solid, if unspectacular game, keeping possession ticking over nicely, while also contributing with key tackles and interceptions. He was also successful in bringing Liverpool's vitally important full-backs into the game. MF: Jordan Henderson 7 -- The Skipper made a disappointing start to the match, but a fine second half strike gave him and his side a huge boost of confidence. Henderson converted well on the volley, for a very rare Anfield goal. MF: Georginio Wijnaldum 6 -- An underwhelming display from the midfielder, who may just be feeling the pressure, following Naby Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain's midweek displays. Wijnaldum will have better days in red, but creatively, he struggled against Spurs. FW: Mohamed Salah 8 -- The Egyptian was lively throughout, forcing Paulo Gazzaniga into a fine save from outside the box early on. Salah continued to hassle and pressurise the Spurs defence, and finally got his goalscoring opportunity, firing home from the penalty spot in emphatic fashion. A superb return to form, following on went from his goal in midweek. FW: Roberto Firmino 7 -- As ever, Firmino was crucial all that Liverpool did well, with some wonderful touches showcased throughout. The hardworking forward had one big chance in the first half, but the acute angle left him too much to do, and the effort was saved well from Gazzaniga. FW: Sadio Mane 8 -- The forward's biggest opportunity came from a delightful Alexander-Arnold cross, but Mane was ultimately unable to convert from close range. With that being said, his second half performance was electric, as Mane arguably made the biggest contribution of the game by winning Liverpool's late penalty. Alongside Alexander-Arnold, he was Liverpool's standout player. Subs MF James Milner N/A -- Showed customary shrewdness late on to help Liverpool claim all three points. DFJoe Gomez N/A -- Little of note to report on. FW Divock Origi N/A -- A stoppage-time sub, he had no time to make a meaningful impact.
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