Liverpool cling on to win chaotic clash against nine-man Spurs but Isak injured

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In fairness Kolo Muani had little opportunity to generate power but could have done better than direct his header into Alisson Becker’s arms.It was more than Liverpool had managed. As it happened, the same player’s overenthusiasm would soon cost him.Simons had been haring forward to press Van Dijk inside the Liverpool half, failing to check his run and catching the defender well after the ball had gone.

After failing to apply the brakes he had raked his studs down Van Dijk’s left calf, perhaps while off balance, despite having no hope of gaining possession.In slow motion the challenge looked dangerous; in real time the impression was weaker and it felt the kind of dismissal that rarely occurred before micromanagement through technology became integral to football. Kudus was again berated for turning backwards on halfway but only had a blind alley ahead; now the game could no longer be played on equal terms, Tottenham had no option but to choose caution.At least not until Isak announced his presence.

He had recently been floored by a follow-through from Rodrigo Bentancur but was back on his toes when Romero aimed a needlessly ambitious pass down the middle. He had not been on the pitch 15 minutes and had scored with his fourth touch.Kolo Muani almost conjured a quick equaliser after an exhibition of strength and speed sent him away.