Tottenham Hotspur recorded their sixth straight home victory over Liverpool tonight courtesy of a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane.
First-half goals from Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale gave the hosts a flying start but Brendan Rodgers's side rallied and nearly snatched a point late on.
Below, Sports Mole analyses whether the result was reflective of the action in North London.
Match statistics:
Spurs:
Shots: 14
On target: 7
Possession: 48%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 4
Liverpool:
Shots: 14
On target: 9
Possession: 52%
Corners: 12
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
Probably not. Most of Tottenham's joy came in the first 20 minutes, during which they scored both of their goals. Gareth Bale was near his unstoppable best and brilliantly provided the opener for Aaron Lennon, before getting on the scoresheet himself. From then on though, Liverpool had the majority of the ball and enjoyed long spells of sustained pressure on the Spurs goal. After they pulled one back through Bale's misfortune, Luis Suarez and Jose Enrique had several equalising chances between them, but a combination of stubborn Spurs defending and wasteful Reds finishing denied the visitors a deserved point.
Tottenham's performance
Inspired by Bale, Spurs started in explosive style. They possess such pace going forward, which was of great benefit to them when their attacking threat was limited to playing on the counter during the second period. Andre Villas-Boas may be frustrated that his side were unable to grab control of the game after establishing a lead, but will certainly be pleased with an excellent defensive display.
Liverpool's performance
They were away by Tottenham's early salvo but settled into the game very well. While Raheem Sterling had a quiet night, Enrique and Suarez were constant dangers to a Spurs back line that will be relieved the pair did not have their shooting boots on this evening. A new striker is essential in January.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Kyle Walker - Despite all the plaudits thrown Bale's way, it was in fact stubborn and often last-ditch defending that won Spurs this match. Walker was the pick of the hosts' back line, making several crucial blocks and recovery tackles including a superb off-the-line clearance.
Biggest gaffe
Hugo Lloris got very lucky when he charged 25 yards off his line and failed to clear the ball, allowing Henderson a virtually vacant goal to shoot at. Fortunately for Lloris, the Liverpool man could only find the side netting and his blushes were spared.
Referee's performance
Phil Dowd made an excellent call towards the end of the match when he waved away Suarez's appeals for a penalty following an excellent challenge by William Gallas. Rodgers could argue his award of the free kick that resulted in Tottenham's second was incorrect, while Bale may feel harshly treated after entering the book for apparent simulation. Having said that, neither side will have major gripes with the officials this evening.
What next?
Spurs: The Lillywhites go in search of a third straight Premier League win when they visit London rivals Fulham on Saturday.
Liverpool: Southampton visit Anfield this weekend to start a run of very winnable fixtures for the Reds.
Joe Fish
