Liverpool vs. Tottenham: *Bumper* Post-Match Analysis

Paul Tomkins, Andrew Beasley, Daniel Rhodes and other TTT regulars will give their thoughts on the match for 24 hours after the game, so the article received via email is unlikely to be the final version. There's statistics from the match and videos too.

Post-Match Thoughts

Paul Tomkins

Ah, the old 'lull them into a false sense of security by throwing away a 3-0 lead' tactic.

It's a cliché by now.

As with going 2-0 up against Newcastle earlier in the season when playing 10 men (or in away games where expected to win), this Liverpool side seem to ease off the gas too quickly, and start to coast, and then start to pass the ball badly, and then start to look very shaky.

It feels like – with this midfield, at least – this current team can play very fast, or not at all.

The good news is that the Reds, as against Newcastle in 1997 (a brave and stonking Robbie Fowler header) got an injury-time winner having thrown away a 3-0 lead; and in a way, thank goodness this was a battle for the Europa League and not the Champions League, given the way it almost ended.

The 'peak-end rule' is also a big winner today: you remember the peaks of an experience, but often overriding the peaks are the final moments of how something ends.

The last 75 minutes saw Liverpool create almost nothing, but then the peak-end rule switched from prize cock Richarlison – chicken dance and all – to Diogo Jota slamming home an even later goal a few seconds later.

Have that, and then some.

The first 15 minutes provided plenty to cheer, as did minute 94. Otherwise, a few concerns to discuss.

The majority of my analysis and that of the others follows for subscribers only.