A Battle With No Result: Liverpool Draw At Home Against Tottenham

Liverpool 0 : 0 Tottenham

Anfield set an ominous stage for the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Tottenham, with the fog that settled in clearing away less than an hour before kickoff.

Anfield covered in fog.

Tottenham came to Anfield fresh off their FA Cup win and without their manager. Harry Redknapp was due to fly from London, where his trial on charges of cheating the public revenue are still underway, before his plane had unexpected technical issues, rendering him decidedly ineffective to his men. Spurs has been without its manager before, however, in November, when Redknapp missed three weeks after a heart procedure.

Liverpool, on the other hand, found themselves with more options than usual, with a fit Steven Gerrard and Martin Kelly back in the starting XI. Kenny Daglish also had an unsuspended Luis Suarez at his disposal, the Uruguayan’s suspension finally up.

The dramatic setting did nothing in way of foreshadowing the contents of the first half, however.

Liverpool had a confidence about their style of play from the start, with Steven Gerrard feeding a ball through to Andy Carroll as early as the 4^th minute, only to find an excellent Michael Dawson tackle on Carroll inside of the box.

Not two minutes later, Glen Johnson was sent flying by Scott Parker, earning Liverpool a free-kick, though nothing came of it.

Play was paused in the 11^th minute, after a pitch invader found their way into Tottenham’s penalty area, providing one of the match’s highlights. 

Anfield’s most adorable pitch invader yet prompted chants from the Kop before wandering off the pitch at its own leisure.

Soon after play resumed, Dirk Kuyt sent a header wide of the goal after Charlie Adam’s free kick.

Liverpool’s defense was solid, with only Niko Kranjcar’s long-range attempt at goal left for Pepe Reina to deal with.

The Reds had just as much difficulty at the other end of the pitch, with Spearing’s long-distance strike, Bellamy’s free-kick, and Johnson’s shot all blocked by Spurs defense.

The second half saw Gareth Bale, who had been kept quiet by Kelly and Kuyt, switch to the right flank, allowing him to send a powerful shot off his left foot just wide.

Bale garnered an angry reaction from Daniel Agger after a less-than-subtle dive, though it was Bale’s response- shoving the center-back in the chest- that earned a yellow in the 54^th minute.

It was the 66^th minute substitution of Suarez for Kuyt that earned the most applause from the Kop, with the Uruguayan’s first touch leading to a corner (which Andy Carroll headed straight at Tottenham keeper Friedel).

Suarez makes his long-awaited return.

Suarez, despite his expedited link-up with Steven Gerrard, found himself booked in the 70^th minute. Thinking the ball would drop enough for him to send a game-winning goal into the back of the net, Suarez swung high, connecting with Scott Parker who had just headed away the ball. In Suarez’s defense, he promptly apologized and accepted the yellow. For kicking Scott Parker in the stomach. Though Suarez’s high boot does pale in comparison to Mario Balotelli’s attack- stepping on Parker’s head in Tottenham’s fixture against Man City weeks ago. Parker can’t seem to catch a break lately.

Carroll missed another excellent opportunity in the 74’ when he sent a cross from Kelly into the stands.

Skrtel was given a yellow in the 76^th minute for a studs-up challenge on Gareth Bale, despite connecting only with the ball.

Bale went on to miss his chance at a goal after going one-to-one with Pepe Reina, Reina clearing the ball and alleviating any danger.

Suarez sent a header from Gerrard’s free-kick into the arms of Friedel, while Downing sent a ball clear above the goal in last attempts at the tie-game. 

Suarez’s cameo couldn’t bolster Liverpool’s game enough to score.

Tottenham left Anfield with a point, not aiding in their chase for the title. Liverpool were likewise let down, now 4 points away from a top 4 finish and a shot at Champions League qualifications. With both teams lacking in their final third and missing any particular finishing quality, a draw might be more than either team could’ve asked for.

Both teams are back in action on Saturday, Liverpool away at Old Trafford to take on Man United in a heated rivalry and Tottenham taking on Newcastle back at White Hart Lane.

Next Matches:

Liverpool v Manchester United. EPL. February 11. 7:45 EST.

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle. EPL. February 11. 12:30 EST.

Written by Yasmien Mizyed