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Liverpool kept their title ambitions hanging by a thread with victory over Tottenham.
Just one week after his highly-publicised spat with Jurgen Klopp Mo Salah returned to the starting XI and wasted little time in making an impact as he opened the scoring after just 16 minutes before assisting Andy Robertson who doubled their lead.
Cody Gakpo headed home a third after the restart and Harvey Elliot made it four with a thunderbolt on the hour mark.
Comfortably in control, Liverpool were punished for taking their foot off the gas as goals from Richarlison and Son Heung-min inspired brief hopes of a fightback for the visitors.
Mail Sport's Aadam Patel was at Anfield to offer his ratings and analysis on both team's in Sunday's clash.
Mohamed Salah enjoyed an ideal return to the starting XI as Liverpool defeated Tottenham
Jurgen Klopp's side survived a late fightback from Spurs to secure all three points on Sunday
LIVERPOOL
Alisson (7)
Didn’t need to make any saves in the first-half but was kept busy in the second half and made some crucial saves as Spurs threw everything at the Liverpool goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7)
Was in full flow, constantly involved around the pitch and offering a regular threat. His current contract expires next summer and surely getting him to sign a new long-term deal will be among the priorities for Liverpool this summer.
Jarrell Quansah (7)
Seriously good on the ball and finishing his first season in fine form.
Virgil van Dijk (7)
Spoke in the programme about how his side had an ‘obligation’ to themselves and their supporters to keep on pushing all the way to the end and the skipper led from the front as Liverpool got their mojo back but will be disappointed that his side failed to keep a clean sheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was a constant threat and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet
Harvey Elliott assisted Gako's goal before adding an absolute thunderbolt of his own
Andy Robertson (7)
Two goals in two games for the left-back. I can’t believe I’m writing that. Did what any good full-back should do and followed up Mohamed Salah’s header for his goal. And he had a brilliant game, pushing up constantly and regularly getting touches in the opposition box before he was taken off for Joe Gomez in the 65th minute.
Harvey Elliott (8)
Played with such confidence and was rewarded with the assist for Cody Gakpo’s goal, with a delightful cross that was headed in before scoring an absolute belter in front of The Kop that had Jurgen Klopp beaming with a huge smile. Only Kevin De Bruyne (14) and Rodri (9) have more assists than Elliott (8) in all competitions from all Premier League players in 2024. He will have a big part to play under the new manager, without doubt.
Wataru Endo (7)
Mr Reliable, as ever. Funny moment when he was mistakenly announced by the stadium PA as the goalscorer for the first goal when it was Mohamed Salah. Taken off in the 65th minute for the returning Stefan Bajcetic.
Alexis Mac Allister (7)
Part of a midfield trio that were simply too strong for Spurs. Didn’t get an assist or on the scoresheet but nonetheless, an assured display. Replaced in the 74th minute for Ryan Gravenberch.
Mohamed Salah (9)
Returned to the starting eleven eight days after his public spat with Jurgen Klopp and was a man on a mission from the minute the whistle was blown. Hit the bar with an outrageous effort early on before opening the scoring with a header. That goal took him up to 25 in all competitions for Liverpool this season and he teed up Elliott for his stunning strike in the second half but missed an absolute sitter from three yards out. Salah is the first player in Premier League history to score 10+ goals and provide 10+ assists in three consecutive seasons
Cody Gakpo (8)
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