Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Tottenham as Florian Wirtz and 3 more good

Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Tottenham as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike scored for Arne Slot's side and Richarlison got on the scoresheet too

Hugo Ekitike doubled the Liverpool lead.(Image: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM, NORTH LONDON // Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike fired Liverpool into the Champions League places as Arne Slot's side held on to beat nine-man Spurs.

Midway through the first half, Xavi Simons was shown a red card following a VAR review after a tackle high up on Virgil van Dijk's calf. Referee John Brooks was left with little choice after he was sent to the pitchside screen.

Isak broke the deadlock with a calm finish and looked bright, but was brought down by Micky van de Ven in the process of finding the back of the net, which saw him need help off the field.

Ekitike doubled the lead a short while later before Richarlison netted. Cristian Romero was then sent off for a second caution, and even that didn't prevent a nervy finish. In the end, Liverpool held on but wasn't convincing in the slightest.

Winners

Continuing his good goalscoring form, Ekitike didn't do much until he found the back of the net. Arne Slot will take that most weeks from the 23-year-old forward.

Curtis Jones is another to have played well lately. He pressed hard and was neat in possession, standing out over the others in a congested midfield department. Florian Wirtz was pretty good, but more is needed across the board.

Losers

Isak should have been in the category above here. He took his goal well and he looked pretty sharp for the short spell that he was on the field. Then, though, he hobbled off and now has an anxious wait to discover the extent of his injury. It has been a difficult period for him since he arrived from Newcastle United. Just when he should have been celebrating a huge boost, he faces another setback.

Player ratings

Alisson Becker (6). Came out quickly to smother one through ball but didn't have loads to do. As has often been the case recently, he wasn't even taking the goal kicks.

Conor Bradley (6). Back following a one-match ban, he was fortunate to win a free-kick at one stage when Djed Spence was adjudged to have fouled him when he got on the wrong side. Got back in to cover balls in behind a few times. Taken off at half-time after sustaining a knock.

Ibrahima Konate (6). Decent on the ball but little more, and strong in the tackle when he needed to be. Randal Kolo Muani was very limited and Spurs weren't helped by the red card. Booked for an unnecessary pull back.

Virgil van Dijk (6). An early header went straight into the hands of Guglielmo Vicario but he couldn't do much more under pressure. This was more about his ability on the ball, with the amount of defending he needed to take part in limited (though he perhaps could have done a little better with the Richarlison goal). He kept it ticking.

Milos Kerkez (6). Seemingly having regained his spot at the number one pick at left-back, he was given the licence to fly forward and provide width down the flank. Got some decent crosses in but was never wholly convincing.

Ryan Gravenberch (6). There was very little space in the middle of the field and the 23-year-old struggled to do much beyond passing sideways and backwards. A bit like Van Dijk, he kept it moving enough.

Curtis Jones (7). In great form heading into this game, he was tidy on the ball and pressed really well. Quietly effective in the middle, where he seems to really like the deeper role.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6). Fit again after injury, the Hungary captain was involved sporadically as a midfielder and got more time and space out wide when he moved to full-back. Better second half than first.

Alexis Mac Allister (6). The Argentine got a little lost in the sea of Spurs defenders and didn't often find enough space to work in. He worked hard and pressed well but Liverpool needed a bit more.

Florian Wirtz (7). Coming inside from the left flank, he got a bit lost among the bodies at times. The German frustrated himself with a couple of poor touches but got better in the second half and helped make the breakthrough.

Hugo Ekitike (7). With his place in the starting XI unquestionably deserved, Ekitike had the chance to kick on here. He was kept quiet, though, and didn't offer much for a long time. He struggled to get involved but then beat Romero in the air to make it 2-0.

Substitutes

Alexander Isak (7). On at half-time to offer some more impetus in attack, the Swede made the difference. Unfortunately for him, the price could be a long-term injury. Incredibly cruel.

Jeremie Frimpong (6). He showed some quick feet at times but also ran the ball out of play. Back from injury and with others out, he could get a few more chances moving forward. Interesting that he was on the right wing and Szoboszlai stayed at full-back. Federico Chiesa, Andy Robertson and Trey Nyoni also came on but too late to earn a rating.