Liverpool moved up to second place in the Premier League table on Sunday with an emphatic 5-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Stand-in captain Luis Suarez got the visitors on their way on 17 minutes before Jordan Henderson made it 2-0 before the break.
Jon Flanagan added a third with 15 minutes left to play, while Suarez and Raheem Sterling rounded off the scoring on a memorable day for the Merseysiders.
Read Sports Mole's minute-by-minute report below to find out how all the action unfolded in North London.
Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage as Tottenham Hotspur play host to Liverpool in the Premier League. We should have some team news for you shortly amid rumours that Luis Suarez will captain the visitors this afternoon.
LIVERPOOL: Mignolet; Flanagan, Sakho, Skrtel, Johnson; Allen, Lucas, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho; Suarez
LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Kelly, Agger, Toure, Moses, Aspas, Alberto
Suarez does indeed captain Liverpool in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard as the away side makes just the one change following last weekend's 4-1 win over West Ham United. Gerrard misses out with a hamstring problem, so Lucas is selected in his place.
SPURS: Lloris; Walker, Capoue, Dawson, Naughton; Paulinho, Sandro; Lennon, Dembele, Chadli; Soldado
SPURS SUBS: Friedel, Fryers, Holtby, Lamela, Townsend, Sigurdsson, Defoe
There are a total of seven changes to the Spurs starting lineup following Thursday's 4-1 victory against Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League as Etienne Capoue, Kyle Naughton, Moussa Dembele and Roberto Soldado retain their places. Hugo Lloris, Michael Dawson, Kyle Walker, Paulinho, Sandro, Aaron Lennon and Nacer Chadli are those who come in.
UPDATE: There are currently two other Premier League matches being played, both of which are nearing full time. Manchester United are leading Aston Villa 3-0, while it's 1-1 between Norwich City and Swansea City. We'll bring you those results as soon as they come through.
Right, let's get down to business. There's plenty at stake for both Spurs and Liverpool today considering Arsenal's 6-3 defeat at Manchester City yesterday. The hosts can close the gap on the leaders to five points with a win today, while Liverpool can move to within two points if they come out on top.
Spurs are currently in seventh place in the Premier League table, two spots behind Liverpool.
UPDATE: The full-time whistle goes at Villa Park and it's a good day for Manchester United as they earn a comfortable 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Danny Welbeck scored twice in the first half before Tom Cleverley sealed the points for the champions. Norwich and Swansea are still playing, though there isn't long to go in that one.
RECENT FORM:
SPURS: LWDWWW
LIVERPOOL: LWDLWW
UPDATE: It's all over between Norwich City and Swansea City at Carrow Road, with both teams taking a point apiece following a 1-1 draw. Nathan Dyer fired the Swans in front on 13 minutes, but the home side got themselves level on the stroke of half time thanks to a stunning Gary Hooper strike. However, the result was marred for Swansea after Dyer was stretchered off with a suspected fractured ankle.
Looking at the respective team sheets for Spurs and Liverpool, you have to wonder what kind of an impact the absence of Steven Gerrard will have on the visitors. Lucas is sure to give the Merseysiders a bit more protection in there, but there simply is no replacement for their talisman.
Spurs also have a superior bench to their opponents with the likes of Lewis Holtby, Erik Lamela, Andros Townsend and Jermain Defoe all ready to be called on.
That said, Spurs are up against the Premier League's in-form striker in Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has been unstoppable in the past few weeks, scoring nine goals in his last five matches. In total, Suarez has found the net 15 times in 11 games this season. Needless to say, the mercurial forward is likely to have a big say on today's contest. Can Spurs find a way to hamper him?
REFEREE WATCH: Today's official at White Hart Lane is Jonathan Moss.
HEAD TO HEAD: Liverpool have the superior record when it comes to past meetings between these teams with 64 wins to Spurs' 44. Meanwhile, there have been 36 draws.
It's a bit of a different story when it comes to White Hart Lane though as Spurs have come out on top 36 times to Liverpool's 20 victories. There have been 16 draws when they've met in North London.
The last time that Spurs and Liverpool faced each other was at Anfield back in March. Liverpool earned a 3-2 win that day, but Andre Villas-Boas's side have won four times in the previous six fixtures.
PREDICTION TIME: So, how do you see this one going today? Both of these teams have been in good form the last couple of weeks, but one could argue that Spurs have the stronger starting XI this afternoon. The hosts will need to have a gameplan to stop Luis Suarez, though they also have a number of players who can cause havoc.
17 - No fixture in Premier League history has seen more penalties awarded than Tottenham v Liverpool (17). Spot.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2013
Five minutes to go until kickoff and the players are ready to exit the tunnel and make their way onto the pitch at White Hart Lane.
The players are out, the pre-match handhshakes have been done, and it will be Liverpool to get us underway. Here we go!
CHANCE! Early opening for the visitors as Capoue's weak header finds Suarez, who in turn feeds Coutinho inside the box. However, the Brazilian midfielder's shot is a poor one that just rolls into the hands of Lloris.
Both sides are fighting hard for possession in the early stages, with a fairly quick tempo to the match being played. Liverpool are seeing more of the ball at the moment.
CHANCE! Some indecision in the Liverpool defence allows Lennon in before the winger finds Paulinho on the edge of the box. The midfielder has plenty of time to get a decent shot away, but he can only blaze over the crossbar from 18 yards.
Spurs half-heartedly appeal for a penalty as Paulinho and Flanagan tussle inside the box from a free kick, but referee Jon Moss is having none of it. The hosts are starting to find a bit more rhythm.
Ten minutes played and it's all been very even so far. Neither side has grabbed the neck by the scruff of the neck as they both continue to prod and probe in search of the opening goal.
Allen does well for Liverpool down the right as a quick turn of pace gives him room to whip a cross into the box. Sterling is there to meet it, but the winger lashes a wild shot well wide of goal with his left foot. Not quite the desired effect, though it's promising nonetheless from the visitors.
CHANCE! Close for Liverpool as Suarez sees his effort deflected wide, but was the striker tripped in the penalty area by Capoue? It certainly looked like he might have been before getting his shot away. Nothing given though as Liverpool fail to make anything happen with the resulting corner.
GOAL! SPURS 0-1 LIVERPOOL (SUAREZ)
It's been coming. Liverpool lead and it's Luis Suarez with the goal! Henderson did well to burst into the box before offloading to his teammate, and Suarez made no mistake from close range as he poked the ball past Lloris and into the bottom corner.
Suarez hadn't really had too much of a sniff up until that point, but all he needs is one chance to show how clinical he is. Liverpool's tails are up now as they look to take advantage of a ropey-looking Spurs defence.
CHANCE! Poor defending again from Spurs as they switch of to allow Suarez in round the back, but Lloris is quick off his line to push the striker's shot out for a corner. Again, it comes to nothing for Liverpool.
This game is so open at the moment. Spurs are bombing forward one minute before Liverpool counter with pace and precision. Credit to the home side, they haven't let their heads drop after going behind. The fans are right behind them as they look to get back on level terms.
YELLOW CARD: A quick Liverpool counter-attack sees Henderson burst into the Spurs half, but Michael Dawson cynically brings down the midfielder to receive the first booking of the game.
OFF THE BAR! Nearly goal number two for Liverpool as Coutinho is picked out on the edge of the area. The midfielder hits his volley into the ground before seeing it bounce onto the crossbar with Lloris unable to reach it.
SUBSTITUTION: More bad news for Spurs as Sandro is forced off with a knock. Lewis Holtby is on in his place.
CHANCE! Close for Spurs! A corner from the left side is swung in towards Chadli, who can only head over the bar from about eight yards. That was a glorious opportunity for the hosts to get level.
CHANCE! What a game this is! A hopeful ball upfield for Liverpool sees Lloris misjudge the bounce, allowing Suarez to get to it. However, the striker has his effort blocked by the recovering goalkeeper with a couple of extra defenders on the line.
In contrast to Suarez's impact on the game, Soldado is looking isolated up front for Spurs today. He's got plenty of support in midfield, but only Lennon is doing any support work going forward. Villas-Boas is sure to look at that during the break if things stay the same.
Right on cue, Soldado has an opening inside the Liverpool box. Chadli's whipped cross found its way through to the striker, though he could only nudge it towards the waiting hands of Mignolet from close range.
CHANCE! Another great opportunity for the home side as Soldado cuts the ball back on the right to Holtby, but the substitute guides his shot wide of the post from about 15 yards. The German should have done better there.
GOAL! SPURS 0-2 LIVERPOOL (HENDERSON)
Absolutely clinical from Liverpool as they extend their advantage through Jordan Henderson. Sterling finds Suarez with a perfectly-weighted long ball, who in turn finds Henderson. The midfielder sees his initial effort from the edge of the box saved by Lloris before eventually putting in the rebound with a composed finish. Can Spurs come back from this?
YELLOW CARD: Kyle Walker now goes into the book for shoving over Flanagan on the left side. Spurs are all over the place at the minute.
Two minutes added time...
HALF TIME: SPURS 0-2 LIVERPOOL
A few boos ring around White Hart Lane as the half-time whistle goes with Liverpool leading Spurs 2-0. Luis Suarez opened the scoring for the visitors before Jordan Henderson doubled their advantage. And it's no more than the Merseysiders deserve.
Liverpool were dominant during the opening 45 minutes, attacking with pace while nullifying the Spurs attack. In contrast, the hosts have been well below par thanks to some uninspiring play up front combined with some shoddy defending.
25 - Liverpool have scored 25 Premier League goals before half-time this season, at least four more than any other side. Energised.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2013
As it stands, Liverpool will be moving to within two points of leaders Arsenal. You can check out the projected table here
We've already had two matches played in the Premier League today, with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Norwich City and Swansea City all in action. United earned a comfortable 3-0 win at Villa Park, while Norwich and Swansea played out a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.
SUBSTITUTION: Spurs are making a change at the break as Zeki Fryers replaces Kyle Naughton. The players are back out and it will be Spurs to get us going for the second half.
CHANCE! Spurs get an early sight of goal as Soldado is played through inside the box, but his effort goes high and wide on the angle.
OFF THE POST! A Liverpool corner isn't cleared by Spurs, allowing Sterling to float a cross towards the back post. Sakho is there, though he somehow heads against the woodwork from close range. Spurs live to fight another day.
The opportunities keep coming for both sides as Mignolet spills a cross, but Soldado shoots well over the crossbar when the ball drops to him. To be fair to the Spaniard, it was a difficult effort to pull off.
Spurs are looking a bit more lively this half as their link-up play is showing a bit more bite. They hardly looked like scoring during the opening 45 minutes, but they're asking a few more questions of Liverpool now.
Jermain Defoe is looking on with interest on the Spurs bench. How long before the England international is introduced to the action. He could be just what the hosts are in need of at the moment.
SUBSTITUTION: A final change for Spurs here as Andros Townsend comes on for Moussa Dembele. Thirty minutes left to play at White Hart Lane and Liverpool still lead 2-0 thanks to goals from Luis Suarez and Jordan Henderson.
RED CARD! PAULINHO (SPURS)
Paulinho can't believe it as he is shown a straight red card by referee Jon Moss for a high boot on Suarez. Both men challenged for the ball, but the Spurs midfielder put his foot into the chest of Suarez. That looks to be harsh on the Brazilian.
That could hardly have come at a worst time for Spurs. They've been competitive during this second half, though it could well be damage limitation now if Liverpool make the extra man count. Andre Villas-Boas does not look happy on the touchline.
Liverpool are already making their numerical advantage count as they control the tempo of the match with some measured passing in midfield. You wouldn't bet against the Merseysiders getting another goal as things stand. However, there's still a glimmer of hope for Spurs with just over 20 minutes left.
CHANCE! And that was nearly a third goal for Liverpool. Suarez sprung the offside trap, but the angle was always against him as he slammed his shot into the side-netting. Spurs are living dangerously.
CHANCE! Liverpool again. Suarez offloaded the ball to Coutinho on the egde of the area before the Brazilian curled a shot narrowly wide of the post.
GOAL! SPURS 0-3 LIVERPOOL (FLANAGAN)
Pick that one out! Liverpool have surely wrapped up the points as Jon Flanagan scores his first goal for the club. The ball fell to the young defender inside the box, and he made no mistake by drilling a fierce shot in off the crossbar before celebrating like he'd just won the Champions League.
SUBSTITUTION: Liverpool make a change as Lucas is replaced by Luis Alberto. The Reds are just 13 minutes away from going second in the Premier League.
It's all very professional from Liverpool at the moment as they pass the ball around with composure and confidence. Spurs are continuing to battle away, though it's all in vain.
CHANCE! The ball is threaded through to Stirling via Suarez, but the Liverpool winger's touch is a heavy one that allows Lloris to come off his line and collect. Can the visitors find a fourth before the full-time whistle?
GOAL! SPURS 0-4 LIVERPOOL (SUAREZ)
Yes they can! Luis Suarez scores Liverpool's fourth of the afternoon and it's a beauty. Luis Alberto nudged the ball through to the striker, who then lifted it delicately over the onrushing Lloris and into the net. Wonderful stuff from the Brazilian.
Spurs have been pretty dreadful today but, make no mistake, Liverpool have been sensational. They've been ruthless going forward from the first whistle and are fully deserving of this scoreline. Genuine title contenders? Only time will tell, though they are starting to look a serious threat under Brendan Rodgers.
GOAL! SPURS 0-5 LIVERPOOL (STERLING)
It's all so easy for Liverpool as they put the gloss on a superb performance with their fifth goal. Suarez dinked the ball through to Raheem Sterling, and the winger slotted the ball into the net with just Lloris to beat. Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho is replaced by Victor Moses.
Three minutes of added time to be played...
FULL TIME: SPURS 0-5 LIVERPOOL
Jon Moss blows the final whistle and it's Liverpool who come away with the points thanks to an emphatic 5-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Luis Suarez scored twice for the visitors, while Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling also got on the scoresheet to send the Reds up to second place in the table.
Anyway, that's all from me but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all the reaction from today's match right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company and enjoy the rest of your weekend. Goodbye!
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
