Liverpool faced Tottenham this afternoon for a tricky away Premier League 2009/2010 opener at White Hart Lane.The Reds started tentatively inviting the home team to attack and pressurise Liverpool, who will definitely miss the talented Xabi Alonso. Sebastien Bassong made his Spurs debut because Harry Redknapp has been forced into buying a central defender to cover for Woodgate and Dawson who are both injured.
Towards the end of the first half, Tom Huddlestone’s free kick was charged down and Benoît Assou-Ekotto hit a 20 yard power drive into the top corner – check this goal out on Match of the Day...it’s an absolute beauty.
In the second half the home team continued to dominate the game, with a great attempt from Palacios going tipped over the bar by Reina. Aaron Lennon also got himself into a great position but failed to feed the ball successfully to Defoe. Shortly after that, Gomes conceded a penalty which was a clean cut decision – Gerard then confidently netted his spot kick. Within minutes of the goal, Bassong scored on his debut giving the White Hart Lane something to shout about.
Peter Crouch came on for Spurs favourite Robbie Keane, making his debut after moving from Portsmouth for £10m. Liverpool looked more alert in the second half and caused a little bit of panic in the Spurs back four that overall did well to contain the pressure from Kuyt, Gerard and Torres.
Great start for Harry’s boys, after that result Rafa undoubtedly will be looking in the transfer market for a midfield-striker link player to replace Alonso.
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