Match Preview: Tottenham v. Liverpool
Mauricio Pochettino’s men host Liverpool at White Hart Lane in the 12:30pm Saturday kick off…
I’ve got a feeling that this is going to be a great game. Liverpool followed up their superb 4–3 away win at Arsenal with a horror show at Turf Moor on Saturday, whilst Tottenham grabbed their first 3 points of the season with a late Wanyama goal against Crystal Palace. For Liverpool, this is another fixture against one of the Premier League big boys, which might suit them. Whilst Spurs have started the season showing glimpses of last seasons electric form, they need to turn chances into goals.
Where is this game won and lost? Lets start with Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have started the season with 4 points out of 6. Their 1–1 draw against Everton was a decent result, given the dominance of the blues in the first half at Goodison Park. A Spurs’ resurgence might’ve ended up with all 3 points heading to North London, but Pochettino won’t be too disappointed with the sole point from Koeman’s home managerial debut. Against Palace, at the Lane, it was one way traffic. Spurs attacked and drove the ball at the Palace end until it eventually went in, a first goal for summer signing Victor Wanyama, who Pochettino is used to working with at Southampton. Costing £11m, Wanyama looks a decent signing and certainly with his physique, will be able to dominate midfield play for Spurs. Meanwhile, another Spurs acquisition, Vincent Janssen, from AZ Alkmaar, has taken a little longer to settle in.
At just 22, Janssen proved himself to be a top quality finisher in the Dutch league over the last several seasons, picking up the Dutch Talent of the Year Award (Johan Cruyff Award). There’s no doubting the natural talent of the young forward, but he is yet to score for his new side… perhaps he’ll fancy himself against the shaky Liverpool defence? Harry Kane, another who is yet to score, will also be licking his lips at the possibility of coming up against a Liverpool back four who have leaked 5 goals in 2 games. If Spurs are going to win this, they will have to add the finishing touch to their sweeping forward play. In terms of creating chances and dominating the ball, there’s few better teams in the league, but 2 goals in 2 is a low return for Pochettino’s boys. Certainly if they expect to reach the heights of last seasons best PL finish since 1990…
With Liverpool, its just impossible to know which team is going to show up. Sometimes, Klopp’s men are sensational. As we’ve previously discussed, they were fantastic against Arsenal, scoring 4 brilliant goals in the process. Last season, they destroyed Manchester City at the Etihad and also won at Stamford Bridge. Yet, this is the same team that got beat by Burnley, despite having 80% of possession and dropped a 2–0 lead at home to Sunderland with 15 minutes left. At times, they’re capable of outplaying anyone in the league, but at other points, they seem to shoot themselves in the foot. The key question for Liverpool this weekend, is which Liverpool show up? Mane ought to be restored to the starting XI, which will act as a boost to the fans.
Liverpool ought to fancy this as Spurs will come onto them and attack from the first kick, meaning that Liverpool can utilise their pace in the counter attack. On paper, Liverpool’s attack is devastating. Coutinho, Firmino and Mane, are all devastating when in the mood and on form. Last week, Liverpool lacked the fluency of pass and movement to break down a resolute Burnley defence which involved two flat back lines of four. In goal, Heaton was only forced to save from distance as Coutinho and Sturridge continuously tried their luck to no effect. The major issue was Liverpool’s lack of tempo, as they merely played the ball across the pitch on multiple occasions without finding any space to penetrate. Coupled with defensive errors, Clyne’s misguided pass and Klaven’s poor tackling, Burnley picked off Liverpool with ease. Tottenham will be hoping for a similar situation.
All in all, this ought to be a great game. Both teams will be sure to go for it and both appear to be at full strength, selection wise. It could be an early indicator of what we ought to expect of both outlets this season, as both teams are chasing those 4 Champions League spots.
Prediction: 2–2 draw, or a narrow Tottenham win.
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