Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to six matches with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, but the triumph was overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to striker Alexander Isak.
Ekitike Steps Up as Isak Limps Off
The Reds' summer signings proved decisive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Alexander Isak broke the deadlock in the second half, finishing coolly after a superb through ball from Florian Wirtz. However, the Swedish international fell awkwardly during the effort and was forced to limp off shortly after, casting a pall over the celebrations.
Manager Arne Slot offered a concerning post-match assessment, stating: "We'll have to wait and see. But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to come back on the pitch, that's usually not a good thing." The club fears a 'significant' problem, with an MRI scan scheduled for Monday.
The burden now falls on in-form forward Hugo Ekitike, who doubled Liverpool's lead with a looping header from a Jeremie Frimpong cross. The Frenchman has now scored 11 goals in all competitions, including five in his last three league games. Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given emphasised the challenge, noting on BBC's Match of the Day: "Ekitike looks the real deal... he'll have to step up."
Spurs' Discipline Unravels in Fiery Clash
The match was a fiery encounter punctuated by poor discipline from the home side. Tottenham finished the game with nine men after two red cards. Xavi Simons was dismissed in the first half following a VAR review of his challenge on Virgil van Dijk, while Christian Romero received a second yellow card later on.
The ill-temper continued after Richarlison's late consolation goal for Spurs, with the Brazilian appearing to grip Ekitike around the neck and later squaring up to Dominik Szoboszlai. Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart was scathing in his criticism on Match of the Day: "They just totally lost control, and for me this is the worst, I really don't like this." He specifically highlighted a "cheap shot" by Rodrigo Bentancur on Milos Kerkez.
Ekitike himself commented on the physical nature of the game, saying: "It was very physical today. There were a lot of duels, but sometimes, it was bad. That wasn't football."
What the Result Means for Liverpool's Campaign
Despite the late scare from Richarlison's goal, Liverpool held on to secure their ninth Premier League win of the season, continuing their climb up the table. The result provides a significant boost after a previously difficult run of form derailed their title ambitions.
However, the immediate focus shifts to the treatment room. With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Isak likely facing a spell on the sidelines, Hugo Ekitike's form becomes critical for Arne Slot's side. The coming weeks will test the depth and resilience of Liverpool's squad as they aim to maintain their positive momentum.
