Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but the win was overshadowed by a serious injury to record signing Alexander Isak. The £125m striker scored the opener before being forced off just minutes later, casting a shadow over the Reds' triumph against a Spurs side that finished with nine men.
A Glimpse of Brilliance, Then Despair
For six fleeting seconds, Liverpool's colossal £300m attacking investment of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike finally clicked into devastating gear. The move, sparked by a Cristian Romero error, saw Wirtz release Isak with a perfect pass, and the Swedish international finished with ruthless precision for his second league goal since his summer move from Newcastle.
The joy was horrifically short-lived. As Isak celebrated, he was clattered into by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven. The striker's face immediately showed pain, and Liverpool players abruptly ended their celebrations. After coming on at half-time, Isak lasted only ten more minutes before limping off with an ankle injury that threatens a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Nine-Man Spurs Rally Before Collapsing
The match's narrative was one of dramatic discipline failures from the home side. Tottenham had been the better team until the 44th-minute red card for Xavi Simons. The Dutch international's reckless, studs-up challenge on international teammate and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was deemed a straight red after a VAR review by referee John Brooks.
Despite being down to ten men, Spurs were reduced to nine late on when captain Cristian Romero was sent off for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate in frustration. In between those dismissals, Hugo Ekitike's powerful 66th-minute header – his fifth goal in three games – seemed to have sealed the points for Liverpool.
However, Richarlison's late strike against his favourite opponents set up a frantic finale, with goalkeeper Alisson required to make a crucial save from Pedro Porro even after Romero's departure, as Liverpool struggled for control.
Injury Crisis Deepens for Slot
The injury to Isak compounds a growing fitness crisis for manager Arne Slot during the busy festive period. Right-back Conor Bradley also limped off after a first-half collision with teammate Curtis Jones, adding to the list of concerns.
While Ekitike's form offers a silver lining, the prospect of his link-up play with Wirtz and Isak – which showed such promise in their brief moment of synergy – is now on hold. Florian Wirtz did register his first Premier League assist in an improved performance, a minor positive on a night where the primary emotion for Liverpool will be anxiety over their star striker's condition.
The result leaves Tottenham reflecting on a 12th home league defeat in 2025, a record that will deeply concern manager Thomas Frank, despite his side's spirited late push with a two-man disadvantage.
