Szoboszlai Sublime as Liverpool Teach Spurs a Footballing Lesson | OneFootball

Tottenham 3 – 6 Liverpool Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League schedule saw the final super Sunday before Christmas Day unfold with a superb encounter between two English entertainers.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The world-class Brazilian showed good awareness of the ball as the first half was more about facilitating the ball when required. Was unlucky and unsighted for the goal conceded to James Maddison, as complacency created the surprise strike.

After the restart, the former Roma man was again largely anonymous, as he watched his men in red rip through an outmatched and outgunned opponent. The end period was disappointing as the legendary keeper was helped to stop the late goals conceded.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

The England superstar started with tenacity and that grew into a wonderful assist for the opening goal. His first-half performance was sublime and exactly what was asked of his appreciative head coach.

In the second half, the vice-captain was again incisive on the ball, whilst remaining diligent to deny the sporadic advances of his adversary.

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international skipper was alert and available in an opening half where the Reds continually attacked the Spurs rearguard. His cross eventually enabled the second goal of the game as he cruised up and down the flank.

After the halftime break, the 30-year-old was again able to balance his duties as the more attacking players terrorized the opponents.

Joe Gomez – 8.0

The England international defender was rock solid in the first half and progressive on the ball when required. Was maybe a little too tentative for the James Maddison goal.

Following the intermission the former Charlton man was robust and composed in his work as he marshalled the backline with his captain, which fell away somewhat at the end of the match.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team pushed his teammates onwards as the Reds took ownership of the Tottenham half.

In the second period of the game, the former Celtic man was powerful and resilient as he repelled the attacks that dared to come his way, until an uncharacteristic end.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

The Duch midfielder was energetic and effective in the middle of the pitch, as he and his midfield partners dominated that middle ground in a superb first half.

After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was full of running with some smart positioning to ensure the result.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0

The Hungarian captain was powerful and effective, with his pressing and pressure pushing the Lily Whites back. His goal was all about that energy and purpose as he slotted the ball beyond a helpless Fraser Forster. The gifted number eight was also a vital component in Alexis Mac Allister’s goal.

In the second 45 minutes, the former RB Leipzig star was superb with his pace and burst, with a superb assist allowing the Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, to enter the scoresheet.

Man of the Match

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The Argentina World Cup World Cup winner started with a blaze and scored a crucial header to double his side’s lead, before falling foul of complacency to allow the opposition to score an unlikely goal.

In the second half of this enthralling game, the former Brighton man was cool on the ball and reliable off of it.

Subbed – 67 mins

Luis Díaz – 9.0

The Columbian attacker started through the middle and was a constant menace. His unpredictable nature created the opening goal, as he firmly headed his side into a deserved lead.

After the restart, the former Porto man was a constant threat who eventually got his rewards against a team that was at that point Al about the entertainment.

Subbed – 87 mins

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch forward started as the predominant left forward, with a remit to cut inside and create havoc. His ability to facilitate space and create opportunities was telling in a good first-half display.

After the halftime break, the former PSV man was effective in slowing his teammates to pull away from Spurs.

Subbed – 67 mins

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was effective early on and maybe could have gotten his team ahead with some half-chances. Eventually, he was able to assist Liverpool’s third goal, as he led a turbocharged counterattack.

After the intermission, the record-breaking goalscorer was on hand to tap home and produced the assist for Luis Díaz in a top-drawer display.

Subbed – 87 mins

Substitutions;

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 67)

Came on to add control.

Diogo Jota – 6.0 (on 79)

Came on to add more venom.

Harvey Elliott – 5.0 (on 87)

Came on.

Darwin Núñez – 5.0 (on 79)

Came on.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch manager was keen to control certain areas, though still let his team loose when required. The woman was superb and ultimately, the result was emphatic.

All the substitutions were smart and well-timed.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Tottenham 1 – 2 Liverpool