Champions League hopes and swagger returns as Reds return to form

All the turmoil of recent weeks was forgotten as Liverpool patched things up in style with a classy triumph over Tottenham.

“It is my hope that we can produce a performance that makes Anfield smile,” Jurgen Klopp wrote in his programme notes.

The Reds did a lot more than that. They made their supporters believe again as they delivered a cherished first Premier League victory of 2017.

It was richly deserved as Liverpool produced the perfect response to the wretched defeat at the hands of lowly Hull City. They were unrecognisable.

Mauricio Pochettino's men, who had arrived on the back of an 11-game unbeaten run, were outfought and outplayed to leave their lingering title hopes in tatters.

This was the day when Liverpool finally rediscovered their swagger.

During a glorious opening salvo when match-winner Sadio Mane struck twice it was like being transported back to those heady autumn days when the Reds brushed opponents aside with ruthless ease.

Tottenham arrived with the best defensive record in the top-flight but their backline were tormented by the brilliance of Mane. Only the heroics of Hugo Lloris saving them from a much heavier beating.

The nightmare of January may have wrecked talk of a title challenge and derailed their season, but here was proof if any was needed that the Reds are more than capable of securing a Champions League spot.

You could see the benefits of a full week on the training field as Liverpool functioned as a unit and bossed proceedings from start to finish.

Well drilled defensively, combative in midfield and packing a punch in the final third, the Reds were everything that they weren't at Hull a week earlier.

Victory lifted them back into the top four and within a point of second placed Spurs. Klopp's dream of finishing the campaign with 14 straight wins won't be quite so fanciful if these standards are maintained.

But Liverpool can't afford for this to be a false dawn. This has to be the benchmark for the challenges ahead.

Beating the big boys hasn't been the issue this season and now they have to show this kind of hunger, desire and purpose in less mouthwatering assignments. With such a light schedule there are no excuses.

For Klopp, who unleashed a flurry of fist pumps before disappearing down the tunnel, a first home win in six attempts provided vindication.

Having ignored the clamour for Loris Karius to be recalled, Klopp got the reaction he wanted from Simon Mignolet as the Belgium international shone throughout.

Lucas Leiva repaid his manager's faith after being given another opportunity at centre-back. The experienced Brazilian expertly shackled Harry Kane and earned the standing ovation which was afforded to him late on.

Klopp had resisted the temptation to make sweeping changes following events at Hull. With the only tweak involving Gini Wijnaldum's inclusion in place of Emre Can, the Reds boss was essentially giving those who let him down so badly a week earlier the chance to put things right.

Liverpool did that with relish during a devastating early burst which left Spurs shell-shocked. The shirts were the same colour but that's where the similarities ended with Liverpool's pitiful showing against the Tigers.

The Reds played with an energy, tempo and intensity that Spurs simply couldn't live with.

The outstanding Jordan Henderson and Wijnaldum provided the platform for the hosts to dominate as the slick front four ran riot.

Adam Lallana set the tone with his remarkable work rate as he closed down space and forced the visitors to cough up possession.

Roberto Firmino was back to his dazzling best, providing the focal point in attack which has been sadly lacking of late. Either side of him Philippe Coutinho and Mane buzzed around with intent.

When Mane's persistence forced Ben Davies to concede a corner, Anfield roared its approval. Liverpool were winning battles all over the pitch.

It took a fine block from Toby Alderweireld to deny Coutinho but the pressure finally told on 16 minutes.

Lallana picked Victor Wanyama's pocket close to halfway and Firmino found Wijnaldum. The classy Dutchman spotted Mane's intelligent run and played the most incisive of passes. Mane held off the attentions of Davies to fire past Hugo Lloris.

It was the first time Liverpool had scored a first-half goal at Anfield since New Year's Eve.

Within two minutes it was 2-0. Mane pounced on Eric Dier's poor control and squared for Lallana.

Lloris made the save and then denied Firmino but Mane was on hand to gleefully tuck away the loose ball.

With 11 goals and four assists, no Liverpool player has been directly involved in more league goals than Mane this term. How the Reds missed their £30million bargain during the Africa Cup of Nations.

In truth the Senegal international, whose name was chanted vociferously by the Kop, should have had the match-ball secured before the break but twice he was thwarted by Lloris.

Spurs just couldn't handle his pace and power with Davies hopelessly outclassed.

Belatedly, Pochettino's side flickered into life. Heung-Min Son could have reduced the deficit but Mignolet came to the rescue as he narrowed the angle and saved with his legs.

The Reds keeper was a reassuring presence as he clung on to everything Spurs threw at him and commanded his box.

Fears about Lucas's ability to handle Spurs' lively frontline proved unfounded. He made some crucial challenges on Kane and was alert to nod Dele Alli's header over his own bar.

Christian Eriksen went close with a sweetly struck free-kick but Liverpool remained firmly in the ascendancy.

Lloris got lucky after Firmino charged down his clearance, while Coutinho let Spurs off the hook with a tame effort after being teed up by Firmino.

After the Reds' show of force in the first half, the second half was all about control. No unnecessary risks were taken as they kept their shape and kept Tottenham at bay.

The flow of the contest wasn't helped by referee Anthony Taylor, who dished out eight yellow cards and enraged Anfield with a string of baffling decisions.

Spurs were reduced to trying to kick lumps of the Reds with Kane fortunate to stay on the pitch after a stamp on Nathaniel Clyne's boot.

It was a sign of the England striker's frustration. When Kane did finally break free to turn Eriksen's free-kick against the post, the offside flag was up.

Joel Matip could have settled it when he rose to meet Milner's free-kick but nodded straight at Lloris. Coutinho drilled just wide after great work from Lallana.

Mane felt the love late on as he strolled off to thunderous applause and into the welcoming arms of his manager.

What a difference a week makes. Liverpool's season has had the kiss of life.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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