Liverpool’s Senegalese striker Sadio Mane was the difference as the Reds romped to a 2-0 victory over visiting Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Mane was an ever tormenting presence for the Spurs as he scored both goals to help Jurgen Klopp’s men to their first victory in 2017.
His first materialised after Philippe Coutinho nicked the ball off Victor Wanyama in midfield, before Gini Wijnaldum sent a wonderful pass in his direction. He paced past Ben Davies at an angle from the right and lifted high into the net to send the fans roaring.
Shortly after his first, Mane stole the ball off a dithering Eric Dier. He dashed into the area and squared for Adam Lallana, whose effort was thwarted by Hugo Lloris. Roberto Firmino’s follow-up from the rebound was also snuffed out by the Frenchman, before Mane twisted and smacked in a second.
The game would have ended an embarrassment for the visitors but for Lloris between the sticks. The result left Mauricio Pochettino’s side still rooted on third and failing to close up on leaders Chelsea. Liverpool, on the other hand, have 49 points and are fourth on the table, one point behind Arsenal.
Ademola Aderele
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