Liverpool failed to seal a victory that was in sight after a late penalty Tottenham Hotspur forced the score closed with a 2-2 draw, in the Premier League continued at Anfield on Sunday (4/2) evening local time.
This one extra point keeps the Reds stuck in third place with 51 points, while Spurs are also fifth with two points less.
Liverpool quickly gained immediate advantage when the game has been running for three minutes. The moment came after an upset on the Spurs back line, to make Mohamed Salah free and easy to conquer goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
It was the 20th goal packed Salah in 25 appearances in the Premier League this season and was able to make Jurgen Klopp's high-flying team confidence which was followed by two golden chances in the 19th minute despite unsuccessful.
But the Spurs slowly get out of the pressure and able to dominate the game. Only, the solid performance of Liverpool back line, especially Virgil van Dijk able to dampen any aggressiveness of Spurs front line until the fight entered the break.
Spurs continued their rhythm of play with full control in the second half. Mauro Pochettino's foster children have a chance to equalize after Son Heung-min escaped offi-side jekaban, but his kick in the 57th minute countered Loris Karius.
Pochettino's decision to include Victor Wanyama in the 79th minute paid off. Just a minute to set foot on the field, Kenyan midfielder's equalized for Spurs with a sharp rocket shot menghujam Liverpool goalkeeper.
The drama took place in the final five minutes of the game, the referee had argued with an assistant regarding a penalty decision for Spurs. Spurs earned a penalty, but Harry Kane's execution in the 87th minute failed to bring the visitors back ahead after Karius stopped.
Four minutes of extra time was tense and Liverpool in this phase seemed to successfully lock the victory thanks to the second goal Salah, with the Egyptian star scored from a narrow angle after doing individual action inside the Spurs penalty box.
The drama continued, Spurs got a second penalty a few seconds before the fight ended after Van Dijk dropped Erik Lamela. And, Kane who returned to the executor did not repeat his mistakes and successfully thwart the victory in front of the eyes of Liverpool.
