Liverpool finally found some form in a 4-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in much-loved manager Juergen Klopp’s penultimate game at Anfield.
Strikes from Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott pushed Klopp’s men within five points of leaders Arsenal in the table with two games remaining, and four points behind holders Manchester City, who have a game in hand over both.
Liverpool talisman Salah headed home his 18th league goal of the season in the 16th minute before Robertson doubled their lead with a tap-in just before halftime. Gakpo headed in Elliott’s cross in the 50th, then the midfielder bagged his own with a rocket from 20 yards out that curled into the top corner.
Richarlison and Son Heung-min pulled two back to make for a lively ending, but a comeback was not on the cards for Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs who are fifth in the table.
Liverpool vs Tottenham LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
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Liverpool host Tottenham in Premier League in 4.30pm kick-off on Sky Sports
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Van Dijk and Salah start for Liverpool; Spurs make one change from Chelsea defeat
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GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham (Salah, 16)
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GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham (Robertson, 45)
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GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham (Gakpo, 50)
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GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham (Elliott, 60)
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GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 Tottenham (Richarlison, 72)
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GOAL! Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham (Son, 77)
Liverpool FC 4 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur FC
Match report: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:58 , Lawrence Ostlere
If this was Liverpool’s last great game under Jurgen Klopp, it told the story of his thrilling era. By Richard Jolly, at Anfield:
If this was Liverpool’s last great game under Jurgen Klopp, it told a story
Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:34 , Lawrence Ostlere
Postecoglou embraces Klopp at the full-time whistle.
What now for the Spurs manager? He doesn’t seem to be getting a tune out of any of his players, except perhaps Richarlison off the bench. The top four is almost out of reach, with Tottenham still seven points behind Aston Villa with only one game in hand.
There is an awful lot for Tottenham to improve this summer.
Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:26 , Lawrence Ostlere
An entertaining game ends with Darwin Nunez missing a one-on-one as Vicario rushes out to make the save. Liverpool certainly could have scored more goals but they won’t mind too much. A big, convincing win.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:24 , Lawrence Ostlere
90+7 min: On Sky Sports, Gary Neville names Harvey Elliott as man of the match, and I can’t disagree. He was fantastic today.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:23 , Lawrence Ostlere
90+5 min: Nunez breaks on the counter and tries to square for an unmarked Gakpo in the box, but Van de Ven speeds back to intercept the pass. A moment later an almost identical scenario sees Salah score, but Nunez was offside in the build-up and the goal is ruled out.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:20 , Lawrence Ostlere
90+2 min: Seven minutes will be added on. Alexander-Arnold is booked for time wasting.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:20 , Lawrence Ostlere
90 min: Spurs are continuing to chase a third goal but it’s not looking very likely now that Liverpool are genuinely alarmed. The scoreline is probably a little flattering to Tottenham.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:16 , Lawrence Ostlere
86 min: Salah slips in Dominik Szoboszlai running into the box, but the sub’s low shot goes wide.
At the other end, Richarlison escapes Virgil van Dijk’s attention and gets his shot away but it’s well saved by Alisson, and Gomez does just enough to put off Johnson going for the rebound at the far post.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
83 min: Almost an incredible goal by Trent Alexander-Arnold! He cuts out a pass on the halfway line and immediately fires at goal, catching out a back-pedalling Vicario, but it sails just over the goal. Such a clever effort.
Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham
18:10 , Lawrence Ostlere
81 min: Salah appeals for a penalty after a Skipp tug, and might have got one had he not been offside.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham (Son, 77)
18:06 , Lawrence Ostlere
Now then. Skipp fires the ball into the centre of the Liverpool box and Richarlison receives it with his back to goal, before laying it on for Son to fire home a second goal.
Still 15 minutes, at least, for some unlikely late drama at Anfield.
Liverpool 4-1 Tottenham
18:02 , Lawrence Ostlere
75 min: Liverpool make two changes as Diaz and Mac Allister are replaced by Nunez and Gravenberch. Spurs replace Sarr with Lo Celso.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 Tottenham (Richarlison, 72)
18:01 , Lawrence Ostlere
Spurs have one back and it’s a really smart goal. Brennan Johnson is set free down the right and he drills an accurate low cross for Richarlison, who steers it first-time past Alisson and into the Liverpool net.
Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham
17:59 , Lawrence Ostlere
69 min: Liverpool have slightly taken their foot off the gas and Spurs take the chance to comes forwards, but Son’s cross from the left doesn’t find a teammate.
Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham
17:56 , Lawrence Ostlere
66 min: Richarlison is miles offside but the assistant does that silly thing of keeping his flag down, so Spurs go through the motions of crossing the ball for captain Son to have his point-blank shot saved by Alisson. Only then does the flag go up.
Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham
17:53 , Lawrence Ostlere
64 min: Bajcetic – making his first appearance since September – and Gomez are on for Robertson and Endo. A big applause for the Spanish teenager.
Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham
17:52 , Lawrence Ostlere
62 min: Yves Bissouma is booked for a silly foul. The subs are on – Maddison,Richarlison and Skipp – but the game is gone, and Spurs have completely lost their heads here.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham (Elliott, 60)
17:50 , Lawrence Ostlere
What a goal! Harvey Elliott has been excellent all game and now he gets his reward, curling a brilliant effort into the top corner.
Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham
17:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
56 min: Spurs are preparing changes. It looks like James Maddison, Richarlison and Oliver Skipp are the players getting dressed on the touchline.
Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham
17:43 , Lawrence Ostlere
53 min: Tottenham have livened up since the third goal, with Son almost tricking his way into a good shooting position before being tackled by Quansah.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Tottenham (Gakpo, 50)
17:38 , Lawrence Ostlere
There’s the third! Harvey Elliott pinches the ball from a dawdling Emerson Royal and drives down the right. He checks back on to his left foot and crosses beautifully for the arriving Gakpo, who beats Romero in the air and floats a header past Vicario.
Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
17:37 , Lawrence Ostlere
47 min: Liverpool are straight back on to the front foot, with Trent Alexander-Arnold venturing into the box and fizzing in a cross which Spurs manage to scrap clear.
Second half! Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
17:35 , Lawrence Ostlere
We are back under way at Anfield.
Half-time: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
17:29 , Lawrence Ostlere
Replays at half-time showed two Spurs defenders, Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal, square up to one another as they walked off the pitch towards the dressing room.
Roy Keane tells Sky Sports he likes to see that passion but that “they need to show that aggression in their defending”.
Half-time: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham
17:22 , Lawrence Ostlere
A very comfortable 45 minutes for Liverpool, who lead by two thanks to Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, and could easily have scored one or two more. Tottenham look absolutely shot.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham (Robertson, 45)
17:16 , Lawrence Ostlere
Finally, it’s there! Mo Salah fires in a close-range shot which Vicario spills, and there’s Robertson arriving to tap home the rebound.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
17:14 , Lawrence Ostlere
43 min: Pape Matar Sarr is booked for blocking a free-kick, which was pretty needless, and Paul Tierney was unimpressed.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
17:13 , Lawrence Ostlere
40 min: Alexander-Arnold is involved again, this time shooting after Romero had given away the ball in his own box. Elliott spread it right for the arriving full-back but the shot went over the bar.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
17:11 , Lawrence Ostlere
37 min: Alexander-Arnold chips the ball to the far post where Luis Diaz tries a spectacular volleyed scissor-kick, but it sails wide. Liverpool are all over Spurs right now.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
17:07 , Lawrence Ostlere
34 min: Liverpool are playing the ball around the Spurs box as they probe for that second goal, which feels like it’s coming. Romero blocks a Robertson shot with his head, although a few Red arms appeal in vain for handball.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
17:05 , Lawrence Ostlere
30 min: Anfield screams for a penalty for a trip in the box on Gakpo by Van de Ven. It looked like one, but the replay suggests that perhaps there wasn’t much contact and Gakpo made a lot of it.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
17:00 , Lawrence Ostlere
27 min: Mac Allister passes the ball towards Luis Diaz on the left wing but it runs off the pitch before the Colombian winger can get there. This game has lost its rhythm a little bit in the past few minutes.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
16:57 , Lawrence Ostlere
25 min: Cristian Romero lumps a ball forwards and it runs through for Alisson to pick up. Spurs are, once again, struggling to make their mark on a Premier League match.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
16:54 , Lawrence Ostlere
23 min: Vicario comes out and collects a Robertson corner after being swarmed by Liverpool players – better by the Spurs goalkeeper after a bit of a nothing attempt to save Salah’s header.
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
16:51 , Lawrence Ostlere
19 min: Trent Alexander-Arnold tries to get on the end of a throughball but can’t quite reach it before it runs off the pitch.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham (Salah, 16)
16:47 , Lawrence Ostlere
And there it is! Gakpo dribbles in from the right and clips a clever cross to the back post, where Salah arrives to head home past a weak Vicario save.
It had been coming.
Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
16:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
13 min: Another moment for Salah, who hits the post this time from close range, although the flag then goes up.
Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
16:44 , Lawrence Ostlere
11 min: The lively start to the game has cooled a little bit as everyone catches their breath in the Merseyside sunshine. Tottenham were very positive in the initial minutes but it seems like Liverpool have found their feet in the match now.
Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
16:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
8 min: A couple of huge chances for Liverpool! It’s all coming through Mohamed Salah on the right side. His first chance is a dinked cross which clips the bar and almost ends up in the net. A moment later he’s driving into the box again and Vicario has to save with his legs, before Romero gets back on to the line to clear away Elliott’s rebound.
Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
16:36 , Lawrence Ostlere
5 min: Andrew Robertson pinches the ball on the left wing and steams towards the byline. He crosses into the centre but it’s too close to Vicario, who catches easily.
Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
16:34 , Lawrence Ostlere
3 min: The ball bounces out to Yves Bissouma on the edge of the box, who blazes over the bar.
Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
16:33 , Lawrence Ostlere
2 min: A bright start by Spurs, who win a corner, and then win a free-kick on the left side of the pitch inside the attacking third after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s little trip on Son Heung-min. Pedro Porro will deliver in James Maddison’s absense.
Kick-off! Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham
16:31 , Lawrence Ostlere
It’s a cracking atmosphere as they get under way. Spurs are quickly on the ball trying to make a fast start.
Liverpool v Tottenham
16:30 , Lawrence Ostlere
It is, unsurprisingly, a rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone in what is Jurgen Klopp’s penultimate Anfield fixture. On the pitch, Virgil van Dijk gives a final pep-talk to his teammates in a huddle.
Liverpool v Tottenham line-ups
16:26 , Lawrence Ostlere
A reminder of how the two teams line-up this afternoon at Anfield. James Maddison is again left out of the starting XI for Spurs as Ange Postecoglou searches for the right combination in midfield. Jurgen Klopp names a strong side as he looks for a positive finish to a disappointing final campaign.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson, Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Emerson, Bissouma, Sarr, Bentancur, Kulusevski, Son, Johnson
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
16:20 , Jamie Braidwood
We should see goals today: Liverpool have kept one clean sheet in their last 14 in the Premier League, while Tottenham have only kept two clean sheets in their last 25.
Liverpool have conceded the opening goal in 16 Premier League games this season but Tottenham are usually slow starters. Since January, 80 per cent of their goals have been scored in the second half.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
16:15 , Lawrence Ostlere
Tottenham have not lost four Premier League games in a row in almost 20 years – when they lost six in a row at the start of the 2004/05 season.
Defeats to Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea means the pressure is on as Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Anfield.
Spurs also lost three in a row earlier this season. Following that 4-1 defeat at Chelsea, they lost to Wolves and Aston Villa before drawing 3-3 against Man City.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
16:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Son Heung-min has scored in each of his last four Premier League appearances against Liverpool.
He could match Jamie Vardy if he scores today, who is the only player in Premier League history to have scored in five consecutive Premier League matches against the Reds.
Son, meanwhile, is making his 300th Premier League game today and only Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane have made more for Spurs.
Premier League results
16:03 , Lawrence Ostlere
It’s full-time at the Amex Stadium and Stamford Bridge this afternoon, where both Brighton and Chelsea have earned home wins.
That’s a blow for Aston Villa as they chase Champions League football, although they still have a seven-point cushion from Tottenham having played two games more, and they will hope Liverpool can dent Spurs’ chase this afternoon.
As for West Ham, the writing may have been on the wall for David Moyes already but this result will only strengthen the view that he should move on at the end of the season.
Chelsea 5-0 West Ham United
Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
15:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Tottenham are trying to complete a league double over Liverpool for the first time since 2010/11.
That’s after Spurs handed Liverpool their first defeat of the season in highly controversial circumstances back in September, as Luis Diaz’s goal was incorrectly ruled offside by VAR and a last-minute Joel Matip own goal handed Ange Postecoglou’s side victory over the nine-men visitors.
Tottenham have won just once in their previous 29 visits to Anfield, which was a 2-0 win on the final day of the season in May 2011.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
15:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is fit to start at Anfield, while Mohamed Salah is back in the starting line-up. Conor Bradley returns to the bench.
Totteham start without James Maddison again, with the England international on the bench. Ange Postecoglou makes one change from the defeat against Chelsea, with Rodrigo Bentacur replacing Richarlison.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Confirmed line-ups
15:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson, Elliott, Endo, Mac Allister, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Emerson, Bissouma, Sarr, Bentancur, Kulusevski, Son, Johnson
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
15:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Postecoglou believes he still has the “support” of the Tottenham board and believes the club have “bought into my vision”.
“It’s not about patience, it’s about belief that I need to keep working and taking us forward in a manner that there is belief in the club that they should continue to support my vision,” he said.
“I’m not going to do it on my own, that’s for sure. I never have. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve had great support and right now I have all the support I need.”
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
14:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Ange Postecoglou insists he still believes Tottenham are going in the right direction despite a run of three defeats in a row.
“Will we be ready in 12 months’ time? That’s the challenge I’ve got,” he said.
“What I keep trying to emphasise is that for a club like this, wherever you think you are in your rebuilding cycle, you have to try and win something every year. That’s part of the responsibility.
“I can’t sit here and say we’re going to finish fourth, fifth, sixth and then in the third or fourth year we’re going to win something. I’m not built that way.
“I want to win things all the time. We start next year trying to have success, but the underlying thing is growth. We’ve got to have growth.
“Belief is the word. I want people to believe we can be successful.”
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
14:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Jurgen Klopp insisted any tension with Mohamed Salah is over as the Liverpool manager dismissed their touchline bust-up at West Ham as “a non-story”.
He added: “If we wouldn’t know each other for that long I don’t know how we would deal with it but we know each other for that long and respect each other.”
Salah will enter the last year of his contract in the summer and Liverpool expect the Egyptian to stay, reports Richard Jolly.
While Klopp will not be involved in the decision, Klopp said: “Mo as a player is incredible and I don’t think I should speak about that.
“Other people will decide that, especially Mo, I don’t have any signs it will not be like that. I just try to prepare the basis for the future.”
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
13:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Jurgen Klopp took a parting shot at TNT Sports by declaring that he will never watch the channel again in the future and told them to remove him from their list of subscribers.
The Liverpool manager joked that Amnesty International should get involved because he believes scheduling their games at 12.30pm on a Saturday is a crime and claimed his side have had the fastest turnaround of matches in the global game.
Klopp was long a critic of BT Sport – TNT’s predecessor – for regularly scheduling Liverpool in Saturday’s early kick-off slot and highlighted their recent run of fixtures, from a Thursday away game in Atalanta to a Sunday match at Fulham, a Wednesday night Merseyside derby and the first game on Saturday, when they drew 2-2 at West Ham to in effect end their title challenge.
Jurgen Klopp vows never to watch TNT Sports again in parting shot at broadcaster
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
13:00 , Jamie Braidwood
The Premier League is heading for a classic title race, with Manchester City and Arsenal set for a thrilling battle as we enter the final weeks of the season.
But what was shaping up to be a three-way race for the title is now down to two challengers. Liverpool dropped points for the fourth time in five Premier League games as they were held to a 2-2 draw at West Ham, after a 2-0 defeat at Everton all but eliminated Jurgen Klopp’s from the title race.
It means Arsenal are the closest challengers to City’s crown and Mikel Arteta’s side took a big step to securing a first Premier League title in 20 years as they held on to claim a vital 3-2 win at Tottenham in a chaotic north London derby. A 3-0 win over Bournemouth maintained their winning run as the Gunners stayed top.
But the champions have another game in hand after Erling Haaland scored four in a 5-1 win against Wolves on Saturday, as Guardiola’s side aim to win a fourth league title in a row – a feat that has never been achieved in the history of English football, and the title is still in their hands.
So, with three weeks to go, which team has the best fixtures and who has the hardest run of games to end the season? Here’s where the title could be won and lost…
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures in the run-in?
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
12:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Can Tottenham qualify for the Champions League?
Aston Villa could be 10 points clear of Spurs in the race for the top-four, the final Champions League place with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool already securing their spots.
That’s if Unai Emery’s side beat Brighton away from home this afternoon. It would give Villa 70 points from 36 games play. They then host Liverpool next Monday, before facing Crystal Palace away on the final day of the season.
After three defeats in a row to Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea, the maximum Spurs can get this season is 72 points – and that’s if they win their remaining games of the season.
After facing Liverpool at Anfield, Tottenham host Burnley and Manchester City and then travel to Sheffield United on the final day. Villa are in the driving seat, that’s for sure.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
11:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Even with a microphone in front of him, Ange Postecoglou was barely audible as the Tottenham manager slumped into the press conference room at Stamford Bridge and took responsibility for his side’s third defeat in a row. “I feel like we’ve lost a bit of belief and conviction in our football and that is on me to change that,” Postecoglou mumbled, head bowed. “We were nowhere near good enough.”
It was not unusual to see the Australian so despondent following a defeat. Rather, what felt significant from this 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, aside from how lacklustre Tottenham were, was how angry Postecoglou had been on the touchline. The Spurs boss seethed at his players and his frustrations boiled over during his round of post-match TV interviews when pressed on why his team were not responding to his instructions. “Come on, mate, we didn’t play well,” Postecoglou snapped. “What do you want, for me to write you a dossier on where it went wrong?”
Well, maybe. There’s certainly plenty to fill it with, given Tottenham’s current form and their propensity to concede goals from set pieces, with 22 now in the Premier League this season, the third-most behind Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest. Postecoglou’s post-match press conference lasted less than three minutes, during which he still found the time to question Tottenham’s mindset, attitude, the confidence of his midfield, and the effectiveness of his own messaging. In fairness, Postecoglou had warned that Spurs have “far more important issues” than defending set pieces and he did not hesitate to lay them out on the table.
Tottenham face test of faith in Angeball as ‘bigger issue’ revealed
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
10:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Jurgen Klopp was standing in part of his legacy as his thoughts turned to another aspect of it. Now, the off-field decisions are being taken by others. “I just try to provide the basis for the future,” he said. Liverpool’s deluxe training ground is part of it. So is the team that he has reshaped in the last couple of years. There is an added element of uncertainty with his imminent departure, the possibility that his side will be broken up. But Klopp is confident that Liverpool 2.0 will not die, that the project will continue without its architect.
“The basis we created is really good and that was the job, I thought,” he said. “Liverpool 2.0 does not end with me. It’s just the new Liverpool. It’s just the start. They can make the next steps.” This season has been a leap forward. Qualification for the Champions League had long looked a formality but became a mathematical certainty on Thursday. “It is an achievement,” Klopp said. “Does it feel for everyone like that? Maybe not.”
Match preview by Richard Jolly
Jurgen Klopp reveals exactly how Liverpool are set up for success once he’s gone
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
10:10 , Jamie Braidwood
“I love the challenge,” says defiant Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is relishing the challenge at Tottenham and remains unwavering in his belief that he can bring success to the club.
Spurs travel to Anfield on Sunday eager to avoid four consecutive defeats after a rocky period under the Australian.
Postecoglou was extremely animated during Thursday’s loss at Chelsea but reflected on the task at hand with a sense of calm and confidence before the trip to Liverpool.
“When things are running smoothly, it’s almost like ‘what the hell am I doing here?’ You want the challenge. That’s where we all get tested,” Postecoglou said.
“I love that aspect of it and I’ve had it in every job I’ve had. When I say I love it, it’s usually I love it when I come out the other side. Not when I’m going through it.
“At the same time, what a great challenge. It was always going to come and it will still come. I’m talking about success. Imagine the scrutiny and the pressure we’ll be under when we’re on the cusp of success at this club?
“Can you imagine the questioning that will come around then about the history of this club and how it falls at the final hurdle? You’ve got to embrace that. That’s always going to be there. Nothing’s going to run smoothly.
“I do, I love this challenge because this is why I do what I do. It’s up to me. Like I said after the Chelsea game, the responsibility lies with me.”
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Latest Premier League updates
10:07 , Jamie Braidwood
“Pressure is off” for Liverpool, Klopp admits
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp accepts the pressure is now off after dropping out of the title race and he wants his players to enjoy their final three games with him.
Klopp, who leaves at the end of the season, believes his side will not overtake rivals Arsenal or Manchester City in the Premier League.
“The pressure is off now,” he said. “That’s done. It would be really cool if we could play really good football again because obviously we were very tense in the last few weeks.
“For a while we obviously looked like we can go all the way. Or at least stay in the race for longer, which was definitely possible (but) for different reasons that didn’t work out.
“Probably third place in the league behind two teams who do really well and they go all the way, that’s how it looks right now.
“I know mathematically there’s still a chance; it is not over yet, I know that but it looks like it.”
Liverpool vs Tottenham prediction: Reds to get back to winning ways
10:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Two out of form sides meet at Anfield in the Premier League as Liverpool host Tottenham on Sunday (4.30pm, Sky Sport Main Event).
The Reds’ title dream has collapsed over the last month, winning only one of their last five in the Premier League. Unless both Arsenal and Manchester City fall apart in their final few matches, Jurgen Klopp will bow out with just the EFL Cup to show for his efforts in his final campaign.
Tottenham’s hopes of reaching the Champions League have taken a huge hit with three defeats on the spin. The wheels have come off for Ange Postecoglou’s men at the worst time and they could be 10 points behind fourth-placed Villa by kick-off on Sunday.
Anything other than a win at Anfield would likely end their hopes of playing in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Football betting sites make Liverpool odds-on to win on Sunday and you can get a price of 5/1 for Spurs to snatch the three points on the road.
Liverpool vs Tottenham prediction: Reds to get back to winning ways
Predicted line-ups
10:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Konate, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Emerson; Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Richarlison.
Early team news – Tottenham
10:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Ange Postecoglou suggested that he may have to rotate his side after the defeat to Chelsea, saying that several of his squad “feeling the effects of the game”. Injuries to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies will likely mean Emerson Royal continues at left-back.
Early team news – Liverpool
10:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Diogo Jota will be out again for Liverpool, while Virgil van Dijk has also emerged as a doubt having missed training this week. Conor Bradley coud return, though.
Is Liverpool v Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
10:01 , Jamie Braidwood
When is Liverpool vs Tottenham?
Liverpool vs Tottenham is due to kick off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday 5 May at Anfield.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage on the channels from 4pm. Subscibers can stream the action via Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Good morning
10:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool and Tottenham are each looking to bounce back from Premier League setbacks as the pair meet at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have had their title charge derailed by a defeat to Everton and draw at West Ham, with a win here a must to preserve even slim hopes of sending their departing manager off in style.
Spurs, meanwhile, have hit a serious skid, a defeat to Chelsea on Thursday their third successive loss.
A first campaign under Ange Postecoglou that began well is threatening to end poorly, with fourth place now surely out of reach.
Here’s everything you need too know.
Is Liverpool v Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch