Tuesday 6 February 2018

Late Kane Pen Drama Draw At Anfield

Sports - Football - Premier League - LIV 2:2 TOT

The officials took centre stage at Anfield, sad but true, as everything happened in the last ten minutes plus added time, including two controversial penalties, three goals, Liverpool and Tottenham separating on 2-2 and a point each in the end of the late Super Sunday clash.



And it started oh so well for the home side when star man Mohamed Salah opened the scoring after just two minutes and 43 seconds, pouncing on Eric Dier's poor back pass and giving the Reds the lead.

It was the Egyptian's 20th league goal in 25 games, the fastest in over a century for LFC, the fifth fastest ever to reach that tally after George Allan (18 games in 1896), Fred Pagnam (23 in 1915), Ronald Orr (24 in 1909) and Frank Becton (25 in 1896).

Spurs dominated possession and play throughout looking more like the home side, Liverpool holding and defending well, getting some chances on the counter, until the craziest final ten minutes commenced.

Substitute Victor Wanyama's thunderbolt from 25 yards out levelled the score seconds after he came on when keeper Loris Karius thought he had punched the ball well clear.

The German stopper conceded a penalty five minutes later, bringing down Harry Kane in the box, slightest if any contact visible, but the fall was oh so well choreographed.

Referee Jonathan Moss consulted his linesman, who was clearly heard saying he had no idea if Dejan Lovren touched the ball beforehand, replays confirming the top striker was offside anyway.

But the spot kick was still given despite all. Kane sent a weak penalty down the middle, Karius saved it, justice was served as far as the Kop was concerned.

Tense finish, but that was not all.

Into added time, Salah made it 2-1 and 21 league goals for him, all on his own, moving past four Tottenham defenders and keeper Hugo Lloris, a magnificent move and finish.

The Reds thought they had bagged it, including boss Jürgen Klopp who ran down the sideline in celebrations.

HOWEVER, the game is never over until the final whistle has been blown.

94' the final minute of added time, Virgil van Dijk failed to clear the ball, instead caught Erik Lamela in the box, who fell into the defender and then down as if hit by a bullet, well rehearsed in drama group by the looks.

Again, referee Moss took ages talking with his assistant after ignoring and waving the penalty appeal off originally, replays showing the Dutch centre back tried to pull away his leg, but the Argentine winger made sure he fell into him.

Moss pointed to the spot, Kane didn't make a mistake of it this time, sending Karius the wrong way and making it 2-2 with his 100th Premier League goal in 141 games and at just 24 years of age.

The England striker joins an elite club, Alan Shearer the only quicker scorer to reach the PL century in just 124 games.

But the way Harry reached that total overshadowed a great contest after three great goals, Mauricio Pochettino ending the happier of the two managers with the point.

Klopp was understandably stumped, miffed by the decisions and lack of explanation and justification.

Football is the only sport where the officials do not, cannot and will not verify and/or explain their decisions, to the players, managers, staff and/or paying fans and public, which is ridiculous!!! Disgraceful!!!

With this draw, Tottenham have won only two of their 26 games at Anfield in the Premier League (8%). They remain fifth, down to just four points ahead of Arsenal in sixth, but just one point behind Chelsea after their Monday night defeat at Watford.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their past 15 league games at Anfield (W8 D7), the second longest current run in the competition, after Manchester City (25 games). They remain third, five points behind Manchester United in second and just one point ahead of Chelsea in fourth.

The Reds travel to 15th placed Southampton next. Fingers crossed the refs won't spoil the show there!!!

Liverpool Goals: Salah 3' & 90'+1'.

Tottenham Goals: Wanyama 80' & Kane 90'+5'.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk, 6 Lovren, 66 Alexander-Arnold (booked 42'); 7 Milner (booked 58') (32 Matip 78'), 14 Henderson (c) (5 Wijnaldum 65'), 23 Can (booked 90'+6'); 19 Mané (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 65'), 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 18 Moreno, 22 Mignolet, 28 Ings, 29 Solanke.

Tottenham Team: 1 Lloris (c); 33 Davies, 5 Vertonghen, 6 Sánchez (11 Lamela 71'), 2 Trippier; 19 Dembelé (12 Wanyama 79'), 15 Dier; 20 Alli (booked 69'), 23 Eriksen, 7 Son (18 Llorente 90'+2'); 10 Kane. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 13 Vorm, 17 Sissoko, 24 Aurier, 29 Winks.

HT Stats: LIV 1:0 TOT
Possession: 39%-61%
Shots: 6-4
On target: 2-1
Corners: 3-4
Fouls: 9-4
Yellow cards: 1-0

FT Stats: LIV 2:2 TOT
Possession: 34%-66%
Shots: 9-13
On target: 3-6
Corners: 3-7
Fouls: 15-9
Yellow cards: 3-1

Referee: Jonathan Moss
Man of the match: Mohamed Salah
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,213

Click here for my last LFC match report/notes/rant.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Sky Sports app, Twitter and SFR coverage.

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