Klopp: These three Liverpool players were sensational against Tottenham
By Alex Stevens
Jurgen Klopp has revealed he was blown away by the performances of Liverpool trio Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino in their 2-0 win against Tottenham.
Sadio Mane scored both of Liverpool’s goals as they destroyed the visitors with some superb attacking play in a memorable first half of the top-of-the-table league encounter at Anfield.
Klopp’s side then controlled the second period and prevented Tottenham from mounting a comeback as they swarmed all over the London side and refused to allow them to play..
The German manager praised the intensity levels of his players and reserved special praise for central midfield duo Henderson and Wijnaldum, and spearhead Firmino.
“It was how we have to play against Tottenham,” said Klopp afterwards, as quoted by the BBC Sport matchday live blog (Saturday, 7.42pm). “It was an outstanding performance offensively in the first half, and defensively in the second half.
“There were some outstanding individual performances. On a physical level there were some brilliant displays from Henderson, Wijnaldum, Firmino – My God I don’t think I’ve seen a better performance from a striker without scoring.”
Klopp said the team’s performance reminded him of how Liverpool played in the early months of the season when they were swatting aside most of their top-flight opponents.
“It was difficult to defend against us in the first half, we had four or five players in the area, it was like the early part of the season.,” said the manager, as quoted by the BBC Sport blog.
Liverpool’s win lifts them to fourth in the league table and to within a point of second-placed Tottenham, who blew the chance to narrow the gap on leaders Chelsea.
Antonio Conte’s side have the chance to extend their lead at the top to 12 points when they visit Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
In other Tottenham news, a £38.5million ace has held talks with Spurs and held a meeting with Pochettino at the club’s training headquarters.