Liverpool edge Spurs in chaotic nine-man North London derby
Isak and Ekitike strike as Liverpool take control; Richarlison pulls Spurs back, but two red cards derail the home side
Liverpool survived a chaotic, ill-tempered night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to claim a 2-1 Premier League win over nine-man Tottenham, as the hosts were reduced to 10 men before finish and then to nine after a late sending-off.
Two early moments helped tilt the balance. Xavi Simons was dismissed for a challenge described in real time as a leg breaker on Virgil van Dijk, a decision that intensified calls from Spurs’ supporters and steadied Liverpool’s response as the visitors grew into the second half. Tottenham then saw Cristian Romero sent off in the later stages, leaving Spurs with nine men as the match wore on and converting what had been a spirited fightback into a hard-fought defeat.
Alexander Isak put Liverpool ahead in the 57th minute, converting from close range after a cross from Jeremie Frimpong. Ten minutes later, Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead as Liverpool extended their advantage in a game defined by its physicality and willingness to contest every ball. Tottenham, undeterred, pressed for a way back and found one in the 83rd minute when Richarlison latched onto a miskick from Virgil van Dijk to finish and set up a tense finale.
The momentum shifted again late on when Romero received a red card, sealing Spurs’ fate as they finished with nine men. The result left Tottenham lamenting a night of costly indiscipline and missed opportunities, while Liverpool, despite missing Mo Salah after his AFCON call-up, held firm to claim the points.
Isak’s condition after the final whistle became a major talking point, with social media chatter suggesting the Sweden forward might have sustained an ACL injury. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said it was too soon to comment on the prognosis and indicated the club would wait for formal updates. A separate note from Klopp highlighted that Salah’s ongoing AFCON campaign kept him away from this fixture, but that Liverpool had sufficient cover and were not overly concerned about his absence in the immediate term.
Spurs boss Frank praised his players for the effort and mentality shown after setbacks, acknowledging that the opening red card and the second yellow to Romero altered the game’s rhythm. He said he was proud of the group for refusing to capitulate and for continuing to push for a result despite the numerical disadvantage and the mounting stoppages.
After the match, Isak’s teammate Frimpong — who delivered the assist for the opener — spoke about the feeling in the camp, with Isak himself describing the encounter as a fierce, warlike contest in which Liverpool ultimately prevailed. The forward group emphasized resilience and unity, even as the late drama underscored the volatility of a high-stakes derby under December lights.
The result reinforces Liverpool’s resolve in a crowded table, while Tottenham’s hopes of steady momentum at home were tempered by two red cards and a bruising night that underscored how quickly matches in this fixture can turn when tensions rise and challenges are met with ferocity. The clubs will now recalibrate ahead of continued fixtures in the run-in to the season, with Liverpool aiming to build on the result and Tottenham seeking a swift bounce-back after a difficult evening.
