Tottenham player ratings vs Liverpool: Cristian Romero lets Spurs down as Xavi Simons sees red | OneFootball

Richarlison did give Tottenham hope with an impressive cameo off the bench but it’s another loss for Thomas Frank’s side

Spurs started the better of the two teams, but were reduced to ten-men after Xavi Simons was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil Van Dijk.

Liverpool took charge after half-time and scored twice in ten minutes through Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike to make their advantage count.

Richarlison gave Spurs a lifeline, coming off the bench to score with seven minutes to play, but after Cristian Romero was sent-off for a second bookable offence, Liverpool held on for all three points.

Sam Tabuteau rated the Spurs players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Made a few smart saves, but there was little he could do about Liverpool’s goals.

Pedro Porro 6

Linked up well with Kudus early on, but was penned back in his own half once Simons was sent off. Alisson gratefully claimed his late cross into the area.

Cristian Romero 2

It was Romero’s poor pass that was easily intercepted as Liverpool took the lead through Isak, and he had to be stronger as Ekitike headed in the second. He was sent off in stoppage time to cap a wretched personal performance.

Micky van de Ven 5

The Dutch centre-half had spoken about Isak’s threat in the week, and he was punished by the Liverpool forward in ruthless fashion.

Djed Spence 7

Offered an outlet in attack, with some nice driving runs. At times, he carried the Spurs attack by himself. Unlucky to see Frimpong’s cross deflect off him and into the path of Ektike for Liverpool’s second.

Archie Gray 6

Frank kept faith in the teenager, and in difficult conditions, he competed well as Spurs tried to restrict Liverpool.

Rodrigo Bentancur 6

Given a thankless task after Spurs were reduced to 10 men, but he did not hide from his responsibility.

Mohammed Kudus 4

Slowed play down with some poor touches, while his passing in tight areas was sloppy. Difficult for the Ghanaian to influence the game once Tottenham were reduced to 10. He was replaced shortly after losing the ball in the lead-up to Liverpool’s opener.

Lucas Bergvall 5

Brought into the team ahead of Richarlison, he provided Spurs with an out ball after they were reduced to 10 men.

Xavi Simons 2

Sent off just past the half-hour mark. Simons has threatened to be punished before for being late in the tackle, and will now miss Spurs’ next three games.

Randal Kolo Muani 6

Put himself about, but should have done better with a free header in the first half. Nearly pulled Tottenham level when his ball was deflected onto the crossbar.

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson 5

Tried to make things happen as Tottenham made a late push for an equaliser, but was unable to create any clear-cut chances.

Wilson Odobert 6

Caused all sorts of panic with his direct running. His late cross forced a flying save from Alisson.

Joao Palhinha 6

Did well to keep the ball alive for Richarlison’s goal. Tough in the tackle to keep Tottenham pushing forward.

Richarlison 8

Dragged Spurs back into the game with a composed finish in a packed penalty area.