Three things learned from Tottenham vs Liverpool as Alexander Isak scores again in nervy win - opinion

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Liverpool were looking to continue their upturn in form when they clashed with Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.The Reds beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 in their last Premier League outing, which left them just two points outside the top four going into this gameweek.Spurs may be struggling, having won just one in five, but Liverpool were unbeaten in five before December 20.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images 👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Ahead of the fixture, the Merseyside outfit were boosted by the return of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has recovered quickly following an issue picked up against Brighton.It was a strong eleven from Arne Slot, but Liverpool started the tie poorly and lacked intensity.Yet, they were helped out by a rash decision from Xavi Simons shortly after the half-hour mark that got the Dutchman sent off following a VAR review.Liverpool eventually took the lead in the 56th minute when Florian Wirtz slipped in Alexander Isak, who scored his seventh career goal vs Spurs.Hugo Ekitike then added his fifth goal in three matches before Richarlsion scored a late goal from the bench to make it a nervy end to the tie.Florian Wirtz’s impact on Alexander IsakLiverpool have changed formations in recent weeks, and to Slot’s credit, it has been working very well.However, one man who hasn’t set the world alight even after the Reds’ resurgence has been Alexander Isak.Isak is struggling for form, and Hugo Ekitike has now stepped up to become the main man through the middle.On the left, meanwhile, Slot recently said that Florian Wirtz is getting better and better with each passing week, which is bad news for Isak.A report from Germany claimed earlier this month that Mohamed Salah was left in a rage by Wirtz leading the attack at Anfield.

Let’s hope he doesn’t have the same impact on Isak, given he’s currently the man keeping him out of the eleven.His goal off the bench should do his confidence a world of good, and Wirtz’s link-up proved Slot is right about him.But again, how do they all fit into the same team when Mohamed Salah is fit?Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesThe problem with Cody Gakpo’s returnSimilarly, Isak, Ekitike and more could struggle to start regularly once Cody Gakpo is back from injury.The Dutchman is a favourite of Slot’s despite Gakpo’s playstyle being predictable and often leading to attacks easily being shut down.Wirtz’s recent upturn should mean that the former PSV man has a slightly reduced role in the coming months.However, it’s become clear that if Gakpo comes straight back into the eleven when fit, it will upset the balance of the team, especially on the left-hand side.Conor Bradley substitution was harshThere is no denying Liverpool were poor in the first half, even after gaining a man advantage.So, Slot making a change at half-time to add some extra firepower was a wise move.However, taking off Bradley seemed a bit harsh, given that he was probably the most active player during the first half.Granted, that’s not saying much, but he made some crucial blocks to stop Spurs countering and was lively when he got into the final third.What this game did highlight, though, was that Slot is still a long way off knowing exactly how he’s supposed to fit all his superstar names into the same team. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox