Match Reports
Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool Liverpool's hopes of winning a first Premiership title were all but ended at White Hart Lane, as Tottenham did their local rivals a massive favour. Tottenham looked the brighter side in the early stages, and should have been ahead in the fifth minute when Teddy Sheringham saw a free header finish well wide of Dudek's goal. Liverpool had a double chance to score just minutes later though, firstly as Sami Hyypia tested the American keeper, Kasey Keller, who was forced into a one handed save. Then from the resulting corner, Emile Heskey flicked the ball goalwards, and Tarrico was required to make an important goal line clearance. A third early chance went Liverpool's way on 11 minutes when, after a fine cross by Murphy, John Arne Riise headed against the post and there were no Liverpool players on hand to convert the rebound as the Spurs defence scrambled the ball behind. Michael Owen was the next man to try his luck at goal, but from an angle at the edge of the area which was always against him, and under pressure from Chris Perry, Owen scuffed his effort wide of the far post. Tottenham still threatened themselves however, and had possibly the best chance of the first half hour when Poyet was left almost unmarked just outside of the Liverpool penalty area, and after Xavier had made a fantastic recovering challenge, the ball was again played into the area across goal and Sami Hyypia blocked a shot from just a couple of yards out from Poyet. Poyet was a threat throughout, and went close again ten minutes later, but his shot was just off target. There was nothing wrong with his next effort though, which was the strike that gave Tottenham the lead. A cross into the area was not dealt with well by the Reds' defence, and as soon as the ball dropped to Poyet, it was smashed low into the net from around 12 yards out. It gave Spurs an undeserved half time lead, after what had been an evenly matched contest up to that point, but Liverpool were ultimately made to pay for their many missed chances. If Tottenham didnt quite deserve their lead at half time, there was to be little doubt at the end of the match as they appeared to cruise through the second half, rarely under pressure from the visitors. Only a shot by Owen, eight minutes into the half, was even close to gaining Liverpool a priceless equaliser. Half chances fell to Smicer, who stuck a long rnage shot straight at Kasey Keller, and Carragher, who also fired straight at the keeper from outside the area, as the Spurs' defence kept things tight at the back. The introduction of Anelka, Berger and, in the latter stages of the game, Litmanen, had little impact on the match and Liverpool seemed to be destined not to get a result out of the match. Overall it was a disappointing second half display, with virtually no Liverpool players at anywhere near the top of their game, and the absence of Gerrard was also evident. Without him, Liverpool lacked someone to really boss the midfield, and also missed the kind of pass which Gerrard has produced in so many games this season, particularly away from home, to create important goals. The loss leaves the Reds needing a collosal slip up from both Man United and Arsenal if they are to claim the title, but also need United to lose points in order to move up into second place. United's controversial win at Ipswich puts them 2 points clear of Liverpool, but with a far superior goal difference, meaning that Liverpool will need to overtake them on points.
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