Premier League

TOTTENHAM 1 (Richarlison 83; Simons sent off 33, Romero sent off 90+3)
LIVERPOOL 2 (Isak 56, Ekitike 66)

ANOTHER home defeat – but one that showed a spirit that Thomas Frank’s side will be buoyed by: this 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool saw Tottenham finish with nine-men after two moments of reckless stupidity, yet ended with Liverpool defending desperately.

Xavi Simons got his marching orders after 30 minutes for raking his studs down the back of Virgil van Dijk’s calf: the opening tempo was harum-scarum and Spurs already looked frustrated by three refereeing decisions that went against them.

Cristian Romero, who was also at fault for the Liverpool opener, had gone up front for the final 10 minutes as Tottenham pressed for an equaliser – and got the red mist that saw him nibble at Ibrahima Konate after the Liverpool player went through him.

It was a shocking lack of discipline from the Tottenham captain. But Frank, at least, can use these two crucial moments as an excuse.

Speaking after a game, Frank said: “The first red I’ve seen given before but I also said before, I don’t like that this is a red card. It’s not reckless, it’s not exceptional force. He’s chasing van Dijk, he’s trying to put pressure, and changes direction. Unfortunately his foot is on his achilles. You can say he needs to be smarter, don’t do it and all that, so we’re not allowed to have physical contact anymore?”

And he defended Romero, too, adding: “I see two big boys competing and Konate absolutely smashing through Cuti. It’s a foul.”

Frank also claimed the second Liverpool goal saw Romero fouled by Hugo Ekitike, who appeared to push the defender as he went up for a header. He added: “The second goal is a mistake from the ref. There’s two hands in the back clearly. I don’t understand how you can do that.”

Frank could find solace in how his players reacted when battling the odds. It was Liverpool hanging on for dear life as Spurs responded to what they considered to be a game riddled with injustices.

The home side went toe-to-toe with the champions. The lively Djed Spence was unlucky not to get in on 16 minutes when he skinned Conor Bradley but was pulled back for what the referee thought was a foul – the replays showed it was nothing of the sort.

On 26, a move from left to right saw Randal Kolo Muani get between the Liverpool centre-backs and place a header on target, but without the power to beat Alisson.

On 30, Simons went scampering after the ball and caught van Dijk from behind. The referee awarded a red after checking the pitchside monitor. It was Simons first offence, and clumsy – but certainly not intentional.

Spurs, with a raucous home crowd behind them feeling aggrieved, steeled themselves and kept Liverpool at bay. They even managed to conjure up a couple of chances on the break, with Kolo Muani only narrowly being beaten to a through ball by the bravery of Liverpool keeper Alisson, who had to dive at the strikers feet.

On 56, Liverpool got the breakthrough. Romero was at fault for trying a risky ball out of defence and Liverpool broke into space. The ball fell for Isak and he walloped home, getting injured in the process as Micky van de Ven steamed in. It was the goalscorer’s last touch of the game as he hobbled off.

On 63, Kolo Muani took the game to Liverpool, dashing brilliantly across the pitch and watching as his chipped ball to the back post took a deflection and hit the bar with Alisson well beaten.

But then came the killer second: Liverpool went from left to right and Ekitike got over Romero to head home. The centre-back felt he had been shoved and his furious reaction earned a yellow card – as did Frank’s angry response from the touchline.

On 81, Spurs got one back after a scramble from a corner saw the ball fall to Richarlison. His finish was instinctive and well-placed. There was an uncomfortable moment as the referee considered a VAR call – but then awarded it.

Spurs pummelled Liverpool’s box, with Alisson saving twice from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson, while Richarlison also went close again.

It was not to be, but Tottenham showed real spirit and Frank will hope the sense of grievance can forge a togetherness that this side has often lacked this term.

Tottenham: Vicario, Romero, van de Ven, Porro, Spence, Bergvall (Odobert, 71), Bentancur, Gray (Palhinha, 71), Kudus (Johnson, 57), Simons, Kolo Muani (Richarlison, 79)
Substitutes not used: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Tel, Davies

Liverpool: Becker, van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszial, Mac Allister, Bradley (Isak HT, Frimpong), Frimpong (Chiesa, 89), Jones, Ekitike (Robertson, 90+8), Gravenberch
Substitutes not used: Mamardashvili, Ramsey, Ngumoha, Lucky