Liverpool versus Tottenham Hotspur – First half review: English Premier League (Part 1)
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur played out their 37th league match of the season at Anfield on 15th May, 2011 as the Reds adopted an offensive line up for the encounter against Harry Redknapp’s men. Kenny Dalglish used Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll as Liverpool’s two front men.
Both the January transfer window singings were complimented by a midfield four of Jay Spearing and Lucas in central midfield with Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt on the wings. At the back, Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel were deployed as Liverpool’s two center backs alongside Glen Johnson and John Flanagan in full back positions.
On the other hand, Tottenham went with a 4-4-1-1 formation with Peter Crouch as their solitary striker. Rafael Van der Vaart took up the traditional number 10 role for the Spurs as the Dutchman played just in front of Tottenham’s four man midfield and right behind the lanky Peter Crouch. Van der Vaart and Crouch were supported by Aaron Lennon and Steven Pienaar who started the match as Tottenham’s two wingers. Sandro and Luka Modric made up the rest of the midfield for the London club.
Michael Dawson and Ledley King were tasked with keeping things tight at the back for the away side and they were assisted by the presence of Younes Kaboul and Danny Rose as Redknapp’s two wing backs. Carlo Cudicini started as Tottenham’s goalkeeper due to Heurelho Gomes’ injury.
Liverpool needed to win the encounter in question to secure a Europa League place for the 2011-2012 season. The home side started off in a weak fashion as Tottenham dictated the tempo from central midfield. In the 7th minute, Rafael Van der Vaart tried his luck on Pepe Reina’s goal but the former Real Madrid playmaker was wayward with his shot from 25 yards out as the score line remained at nil all at the Anfield stadium.
However it wasn’t long before Tottenham drew first blood against Liverpool at the Reds’ home turf. Tottenham were awarded a corner kick in the 8th minute thanks to Dawson’s pressure on Jay Spearing. The corner kick was whipped in by Luka Modric whose set piece was headed away straight at Van der Vaart. The Dutchman unleashed a first time shot at Liverpool’s goal which took a heavy deflection off Glen Johnson and looped over Pepe Reina into the back of the net.
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