Lennon’s First Goal Of The Season Downs Liverpool

Spurs were looking to make three wins in a row in the league for the first time this season as they welcomed a resurgent Liverpool side. Liverpool had improved in the last few weeks but they are far from the side that came second two seasons ago. Inconsistent performances were hurting Liverpool as a victory over Chelsea was quickly followed by defeat to Stoke Redknapp had spent the week talking up his sides chances of winning the Premier League, but his side need to address their leaky defence that has only kept one clean sheet this season.

The Fans arrived at White Hart Lane expecting another feast of stylish attacking football that Spurs were becoming well-known for. First half started with Liverpool the dominant as an in-form Torres was showing some neat play, putting Maxi through on goal twice only for the Argentine to fire wide once  and then straight at  Gomes in the first 20 minutes. Spurs lost Van Der Vaart early on with a hamstring injury, being replaced by Defoe for his first league appearance in two months. Bale was kept quiet by Johnson, but he pulled in-side to gain a free kick after Konchesky brought him down just outside the box. The resulting free kick hit the wall and Liverpool cleared easily. Reina was forced to parry Modric low shot straight to Defoe but Carragher’s heroic block on the line spared Liverpool’s blushes.  Liverpool were ahead in the 42^nd minute when Skrtel’s header from a free kick rebounded off N’Gog with Skrtel then toe-poking the ball home. Liverpool nearly found themselves two up minutes later when Torres found Maxi, but the Argentine delayed his shot and Spurs cleared.

The second half started off again in Liverpool’s favour with Torres nearly through on goal it took a splendid challenge from Bassong to deny him, Bassong had only come on in 35^th minute, replacing Kaboul. Bale had a shot blocked on the line after Lennon’s drive at Reina was pawed into his path. Spurs were awarded a penalty in the 59^th minute after Bales free kick came off N’Gog’s arm, only for Defoe to fire wide. Spurs levelled after Modric majestically drifted past three players before playing the ball to Crouch only for Skrtel to intercept and knock the ball into his own net past the on-rushing Reina. Both sides went for the win, with Kuyt being denied a penalty after Assou-Ekotto’s lunge. Bale’s volley was saved by Reina before Defoe had a goal disallowed after a free kick fell to Lennon who headed the ball on to Defoe who was rightfully ruled offside. Spurs got their luck after Assou-Ekotto’s long ball was nodded on by Crouch for Lennon who sped past Konchesky before prodding the ball past Reina.

Spurs were good value for the win as Liverpool lived dangerously in defence but it could have been so different had Maxi found his shooting boots after Torres played him through on three occasions. Sadly Liverpool were also denied a clear penalty late on but on the balance of play the result was fair