Liverpool kick off 2024 this evening as they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield for their first Premier League match of the calendar year.
The Reds will be hoping to retain their place at the top of the table as they bid to secure their first top-flight title since the 2019/20 campaign.
Jurgen Klopp’s men head into this fixture off the back of a 2-0 win over Burnley last time out at Turf Moor, thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota either side of half-time.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The German head coach will be without a number of players, including Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip, and Thiago, due to injury and could look to rotate his side to avoid further issues.
One player he must unleash from the start this evening is central midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who should come in for Ryan Gravenberch in the middle of the park.
Gravenberch's performance against Burnley in numbers
The Dutch whiz played 66 minutes against the Clarets and did not do enough to make him a nailed-on starter against the Magpies today.
He lost six of his eight duels as Burnley players found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical duels, and the summer signing failed with both of his attempted dribbles.
Appearances
14
Sofascore rating
6.69
Goals
Zero
Assists
Zero
Duel success rate
40%
Gravenberch, who created one chance at Turf Moor, has not hit the ground running since his permanent move from Bayern Munich earlier this year.
As you can see in the table above, the central midfielder has not made a significant impact at the top end of the pitch and has been too much of a lightweight in physical battles throughout the Premier League season.
Why Szoboszlai should replace Gravenberch
Meanwhile, Szoboszlai has been an impressive performer for the Reds in midfield since his summer switch from German side RB Leipzig.
The Hungary international has not been at his very best as an attacker in recent weeks, with no goal contributions in his last four Premier League outings, but his work out of possession should put him ahead of Gravenberch.
He has made 6.4 ball recoveries per match in the top-flight for the Reds so far this season, compared to his Dutch teammate's 3.6 per game.
The £120k-per-week whiz, who was once dubbed a "Magician" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the engine and drive to win the ball back for his side at an impressive rate, which helps Liverpool to control games and cut out opposition attacks.
Szoboszlai also has the potential to chip in at the top end of the pitch. He has produced two goals, two assists, and five 'big chances' created in 19 Premier League matches so far this season.
This shows that the former Leipzig star has the quality to make an impact in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals, which is a trait that Gravenberch has yet to display.
Therefore, Klopp must ditch the Dutchman this evening and bring Szoboszlai back in from the start to line up in midfield at Anfield against the Magpies.
Melbourne Renegades had another poor evening with the bat and are still without an individual half-century in this year’s BBL
The Report by Andrew McGlashan01-Jan-2019
Marcus Stoinis produced an impressive all-round display•Getty Images
Melbourne Stars took the honours in the derby clash against Melbourne Renegades at the MCG, comfortably chasing down 149. Marcus Stoinis produced a superb all-round display, capped by his unbeaten 78 to ensure the Stars had a few concerns in reaching the target with 13 balls to spare.The Renegades made a strong start having been put into bat, but that was as good as it got for them after the opening stand of 52 was broken. The Stars’ bowlers shared the plaudits, though the pace trio of Stoinis, Scott Boland and Dwayne Bravo claimed seven wickets between them. There was a prime scalp for Sandeep Lamichhane before he departs for the BPL to give the throng of Nepalese supporters plenty to cheer.After a solid start to the chase, the result rarely looked in doubt, although Ben Dunk and Nick Larkin were dismissed in quick succession, a stand of 65 between Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell getting the job almost done. The win leaves the Stars in the clutch of teams on four points which also includes the Renegades, although they have lost their last two matches.False dawnFlexibility in T20 is important, but uncertainty is a problem. The Renegades are not the only team still trying to work out their top-order combinations but have tinkered in each of their matches so far. Tonight it was the young pair of Sam Harper and Mackenzie Harvey, and for a little over four overs, all went swimmingly as they added 52. Harper, who has been up and down the order so far in the tournament, has now managed three scores between 28 and 36. Harvey, a player of much promise, made 30 on his debut against Sydney Sixers and again played nicely here before falling to an excellent catch running backwards by Maxwell. It was a turning point of the innings as Harper was bowled by Adam Zampa next over: 52 for the opening stand, 9 for 96 for the rest of the innings. After making 9 for 99 in their chase against Sixers, there will be a few batting concerns growing with no one yet to register a half-century.Eye’s on spin, up steps seamersMuch attention was on the spinners, and they certainly played an important role with Zampa’s strike and Lamichhane producing a lovely googly to defeat Tom Cooper, but this was also an innings for the seamers. Maxwell was smart in his use of his attack as he went back to all pace after the Powerplay when Mohammad Nabi – a player more comfortable against spin than pace – was at the crease and the move worked when Nabi top-edged a hoick off Stoinis. Bravo then struck in his first over, albeit with a full-toss clipped to midwicket, and the Renegades were 4 for 76 at halfway, in the midst of a slide they would be unable to stop.Edge? What edge?When a batsman is in a bit of a slump, a touch of luck can help. When Dunk was on 1, the Renegades were convinced he had edged Usman Shinwari to the keeper but the umpire was unmoved. Dunk had made 2, 10 and 4 at the start of this edition of the tournament, but now began to find his feet. By the time he was stumped, missing a slog-sweep against Cameron Boyce, 32 was Dunk’s highest T20 score in 10 innings since making 47 against the same opponents on January 6 last year. It was just the fifth time he had reached double figures in T20 in 14 innings since he last played for Australia in early 2017. The opening stand of 67 with Stoinis was the Stars’ best in 15 matches.Stoinis’ chance up topTwo wickets, a good catch in the deep and then 78 to guide the run chase. It was a handy night for Stoinis. It was the batting that was arguably the most significant as it was the first time this season he had opened the innings – a role he has not held consistently in T20 cricket since 2016. He certainly made the most of his chance to build an innings from the outset. The most noticeable feature was his power down the ground: he pulled Nabi straight for six, deposited Dan Christian over long-on with a shot that left the bowler wondering what had happened, and finished the game with a pull over deep square-leg for his fourth six of a very fine innings.
Ange Postecoglou was crowned October’s Premier League Manager of the Month after his side won all three matches to finish at the summit of the table.
The former Celtic boss became the first manager in PL history to win the first three awards available to him and the first to secure the opening three prizes from the start of a season.
That has prompted us at Football FanCast to take a look back through the history books to find out who has won the most Manager of the Month awards in Premier League history.
Without further ado, here is the list…
11
Sir Bobby Robson – Newcastle
6 awards
Sir Bobby Robson won six Manager of the Month awards during his five-year spell in charge of Newcastle United.
The former Barcelona boss joined the Tynesiders in September 1999 after Ruud Gullit resigned following a winless start to the campaign.
Robson immediately turned the club’s fortunes around, as his side hit Sheffield Wednesday for eight, ending a goal drought at St James’ Park.
He led the club back to stability and achieved a fourth-placed finish in the 2001/02 season, thus qualifying for the illustrious UEFA Champions League (UCL).
The Magpies became the first side ever to advance to the second group stage of the UCL after losing the opening three matches.
A third and fifth-placed finish ensued for Robson’s men before departing in August 2004.
10
Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
6 awards
Mikel Arteta has endured difficult spells during his reign at Arsenalbut is now established as one of the best managers across the continent.
Four of his six Manager of the Month awards were acclaimed last season, as his side amassed 84 points, five points adrift of title-winners Manchester City.
Arsenal are again looking like genuine challengers for the league this season and currently sit third, one point off the Citizens at the summit.
The Spaniard is only really at the beginning of his fledgling managerial career, and will likely win a few more MotMs over the coming years.
2023/24 Premier League table
#
Team
P
W
D
L
F
A
Points
Form
1
Manchester City
12
9
1
2
32
12
28
LWWWD
2
Liverpool
12
8
3
1
27
10
27
DWWDW
3
Arsenal
12
8
3
1
26
10
27
WDWLW
3
Tottenham Hotspur
12
8
2
2
24
15
26
WWWLL
9
Sam Allardyce – Bolton, West Ham
6 awards
Sam Allardyce was Bolton Wanderers’ manager for a remarkable seven-and-a-half years and won four MotM awards during the highly successful period.
Allardyce led The Wanderers to four consecutive top-eight Premier League finishes and even came close to securing an
Inconceivable Champions League spot in the 2004/05 season, as his side came a win away from achieving the feat.
The Dudley-born manager would go on to leave his post in April 2007 before going on to join West Ham United in 2011, winning a further two MotM prizes.
The Hammers gained promotion from the Championship in 2012 and established themselves as a top-flight mid-table outfit under his stewardship – which lasted four years.
8
Rafael Benítez – Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle
7 awards
Rafael Benítez won seven MotM awards during his glittering spell in England. The Spaniard acclaimed five of those at Liverpool, where he was in post for six years, winning four trophies, including the memorable 2005 Champions League in Istanbul.
Quite controversially, Benítez was appointed interim Chelsea boss in 2012 following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo but won over sections of the support after triumphing in the Europa League, beating Benfica 2-1 in the final.
The Spaniard won one MotM prize with the West Londoners before winning his seventh in November 2018 during his tenure in charge of Newcastle United.
The 63-year-old is currently back in his home nation with Celta Vigo, though, his side are currently languishing in the bottom three, having won one of their opening 13 matches.
7
Martin O'Neill – Leicester, Aston Villa, Sunderland
8 awards
The former Republic of Ireland manager has worked in the Premier League with three different clubs and enjoyed great success with each.
Martin O’Neill’s first break in England’s top flight came with Leicester City in 1996 after guiding the club up from the Championship. His Foxes side achieved four consecutive top-10 finishes whilst claiming two League Cups.
A fruitful spell in charge of Aston Villa ensued after a four-year reign at Celtic and then a relatively brief period in the North East with Sunderland.
O’Neill won three MotM prizes with Leicester, four with Villa and one with the Black Cats.
6
Harry Redknapp – West Ham, Portsmouth, Southampton, Tottenham
8 awards
Harry Redknapp is the only Premier League manager to have acclaimed the prize during five separate managerial spells, which is quite the record.
Redknapp’s longevity and ability to adapt to changing environments were evinced throughout his 34-year career on the touchline.
His longest stint came at West Ham – where he first won the MotM prize – as he remained in post for almost seven years – a feat very hard to replicate nowadays.
West Ham achieved their best-ever Premier League finish during his reign, placing fifth in the 1998/99 campaign, thus securing qualification to the UEFA Cup after a 19-year absence from European football.
5
Jürgen Klopp – Liverpool
9 awards
Jürgen Klopp has completely transformed the fortunes of Liverpool since arriving in October 2015 and has cemented himself as one of the best managers in the world.
Klopp has won seven major honours during his eight-year tenure in charge of the Merseyside club and his side appear set to challenge again for the Premier League title this season.
The Reds sit second, one point adrift of league leaders Manchester City, with the pair due to face each other after the November international break.
A whopping nine MotM prizes have been collected by the German and it wouldn’t at all be surprising to see him add a few more to that tally.
4
David Moyes – Everton
10 awards
David Moyes as Everton manager
Only three managers have won more MotM awards than West Ham United manager David Moyes, who actually won each of his 10 prizes with Everton.
Moyes was Toffees boss for over 11 years and led his side to nine top-eight finishes before becoming Manchester United manager in 2013, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
The Scotsman only lasted nine months at Old Trafford after being harshly sacked but rebuilt his career most prominently in East London with the Hammers, where he won the UEFA Conference League in 2023, ending the club’s 43-year trophy drought.
Moyes has his critics, particularly for his brand of football, but he is undoubtedly one of the best managers in the division’s history.
Only two managers have overseen more Premier League matches than the 60-year-old.
3
Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
11 awards
Pep Guardiola will certainly go down as one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport, having enjoyed a trophy-laden 15-year spell in the dugout so far.
Since joining Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola implemented a revolutionary tiki-taka brand of football and won a colossal five Premier League titles, claiming 11 MotM awards along the way.
The Citizens won the treble last season, a triumph only achieved once in this country by Manchester United back in 1998/99.
The former Barca boss could create more history again this term, should his side win the title. It will be the first time in England’s top-flight history a team has won four straight league championships.
City, at present, lie at the top of the table.
2
Arsene Wenger – Arsenal
15 awards
No manager in Premier League history has managed more matches than Arsene Wenger’s astounding 828, and only one has collected more than his 15 MotM awards.
The Frenchman was appointed Arsenal boss in October 1996 and came in as a relative unknown but across his 22 years in charge, the Gunners became one of the most exciting and successful teams across the country.
Wenger won three Premier League trophies, seven FA Cups and seven Community Shields during his stay in North London. Perhaps his most notable, and unprecedented, achievement came in 2004 when his side went a whole league season unbeaten – becoming ‘The Invincibles’.
He also revolutionised the diet and nutrition facet of football in this country.
Após passar por um susto na última segunda-feira, durante a vitória sobre o Goiás por 2 a 1, Cássio recebeu alta na manhã desta quarta-feira e já está em casa fazendo repouso sob o acompanhamento do departamento médico do Corinthians. Foram duas noites no Hospital São Luiz passando por exames por conta de uma concussão. Seu retorno aos gramados, porém, ainda é incerto.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCom Cantillo em campo, Corinthians se reapresenta e inicia preparação para enfrentar o BotafogoCorinthians23/12/2020CorinthiansComo Cazares se tornou fundamental no Corinthians de ManciniCorinthians22/12/2020CorinthiansNatal sem descanso! Veja a intensa programação de treinos do CorinthiansCorinthians22/12/2020
TABELA > Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui
GALERIA > Retrospectiva-2020: Sem brilho, com naming rights… O ano do Corinthians
O jogador não teve qualquer dano detectado na bateria de examesdetalhados de tomografia e ressonância magnética à que foi submetido desde a noite de segunda. No entanto, ele ficou em observação na Unidade Morumbi da rede de hospitais seguindo protocolo médico, em virtude da concussão e da perda de consciência na hora do choque com o adversário.
Apesar de estar sem alterações após os exames, ainda não há previsão para o retorno aos treinamentos no CT Joaquim Grava. Por enquanto, Cássio ficará em repouso em sua casa sob os cuidados do departamento médico do Corinthians. Desta forma, ele não deve enfrentar o Botafogo neste domingo. Seu substituto será Walter, seu reserva imediato, e que já atuou contra o Goiás.
Na última terça-feira, Cássio publicou um vídeo falando sobre seu estado de saúde e agradecendo a todos que enviaram mensagens positivas nos últimos dias e que de alguma forma contribuíram com sua pronta recuperação do susto. Já na manhã desta quarta-feira, sua esposa postou o momento em que o goleiro recebe alta hospitalar e reencontra sua filha no corredor do hospital.
-Fala galera, tudo bem? Estou aqui para falar um pouquinho, ontem (segunda) passamos por um momento de susto, mas graças a Deus estou bem, foi mais o susto mesmo… Agradecer a todo o departamento médico do Corinthians, a todas as pessoas que me ajudaram, que me trouxeram o mais rápido possível aqui para o hospital, mas hoje (terça) já me encontro bem. Fiz todos os exames, estou bem, não tive problema, espero o mais rápido possível estar de volta aos treinos, ao trabalho, para a minha vida normal, queria agradecer a todas as mensagens de carinho, de todas as pessoas, que de uma forma ou de outra tentaram deixar suas vibrações positivas, mensagens, orações… Meu muito obrigado, se Deus quiser, logo logo vou estar de volta e apto aos treinos. Grande abraço – declarou o arqueiro em vídeo.
continua após a publicidade
O nosso G-I-G-A-N-T-E tem um recado pra vocês, Fiel!
Tamo junto, Cássio! 🖤#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/cwsNQGD5Rn
— Corinthians (@Corinthians) December 22, 2020
A notícia mais legal de hoje, Fiel! 🥰🖤
Muita felicidade em ver nosso G-I-G-A-N-T-E bem!#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/i8JvFykEaS
— Corinthians (@Corinthians) December 23, 2020
O Corinthians enfrenta o Botafogo neste domingo, às 16h, no Nilton Santos, pela 27ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020. Depois desse jogo, o Timão só volta a entrar em campo no dia 13 de janeiro, para enfrentar o Fluminense pela 29ª rodada. Atualmente, o Alvinegro ocupa a nona posição, com 36 pontos.
Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed and Haseeb Amjad have been charged by the ICC with breaching its anti-corruption code for a total of 19 counts
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2018Hong Kong’s Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed and Haseeb Amjad have been charged by the ICC with breaching its anti-corruption code for a total of 19 counts. The ICC provisionally suspended the players with immediate effect, pending determination of the charges, a release from the governing body said on Monday.All three players were charged for matches at the 2015 World Cup Qualifiers played in January 2014, with brothers Irfan and Nadeem also charged for one or more matches at the 2016 World T20. Irfan faces additional charges for a 2014 World T20 warm-up match, against Zimbabwe in Chittagong, and for one or more matches at the World T20 Qualifiers played in 2015. Irfan was charged with nine offences, Nadeem and Amjad five offences each.The matches under scrutiny from the World Cup Qualifiers played in 2014 include a group game against Scotland and another group match played against Canada four days later. Hong Kong won against Scotland by 17 runs and beat Canada by nine wickets. All three players were charged for these two matches, with Irfan and Haseeb accused of underperforming in the Canada game.The ICC release did not mention the additional matches Irfan and Nadeem were charged for from the 2016 World T20, and the ones Irfan alone was charged for from the World T20 Qualifiers played in 2015.Irfan was charged for breaching Articles 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.4.2 and 2.4.4 of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code, while Nadeem and Amjad were charged for breaching Articles 2.1.1, 2.1.3 and 2.4.2 each. The Articles read as follows: Article 2.1.1 of the 2012 Code: fixing or contriving or otherwise influencing improperly, or being a party to an effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the match Article 2.1.2 of the 2012 Code: seeking, accepting, offering or agreeing to accept a bribe or other Reward to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the match Article 2.1.3 of the 2012 Code: failure, for reward, to perform to one’s abilities Article 2.1.3 of the 2014 Code: seeking, accepting, offering or agreeing to accept a bribe or other Reward to fix or contrive or otherwise improperly influence the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of one of more of the matches Article 2.4.2 of the 2012 Code: failure to disclose full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in conduct that would amount to a breach of the 2012 Code in relation to the match Article 2.4.4 of the 2014 Code: failure to disclose full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the 2014 Code in relation to one or more of the matchesTwenty-eight-year-old Irfan, an opening batsman and a medium-pacer, had previously been suspended for two-and-a-half- years by the ICC after he admitted to breaching the anti-corruption code. He was not charged with any offence involving corruption on that occasion, but for failing to disclose “full details of approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct that had been made to him between January 2012 and January 2014”.The three players have 14 days from October 8 to respond to the charges.
علق أحمد حسن قائد منتخب مصر الأسبق على مباراة الأهلي وبيراميدز في الدوري المصري، منتقدًا أداء حكم مواجهة اليوم بين الفريقين.
وقال أحمد حسن في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “اون تايم سبورتس”: “إمام عاشور ليس في أفضل حالاته وتعجبت من حزنه بسبب استبداله في اللقاء، ولا أعلم هل هو حزين لأنه لم يتم استبداله مبكرًا”.
وتابع: “كنت أرى مشاركة أفشة مبكرًا في الشوط الثاني، وأنا أعلم أنه يجيد صناعة اللعب، ممكن يكون إمام مُجهد، لكن أنا أشيد بـ أفشة، نزل في آخر 7 دقائق والله وفقه”.
واستطرد: “أفشة نجم كبير في مباراة القاضية أمام الزمالك هو كان الحاسم، في كل التوقيتات التي يشارك فيها يكون مؤثرًا، حتى وهو يشارك في آخر 7 دقائق كان مؤثرًا وهذا يُحسب له”.
وأكمل: “أفشة من اللاعبين المميزين ويستطيع التحكم في المباراة ويُمرر بشكل جيد، وفي كرة الهدف كان محضر نفسه ورؤيته جيدة والهدف قد يمنح الدوري للأهلي”.
وواصل: “هناك مباراة إياب أمام بيراميدز وسنستمتع بها، لكن هدف أفشة قد يكون هدف التتويج بالدوري، أفشة لديه ميزة أنه لا ينتظر الكرة وينزل يستلم الكرة بنفسه”.
واختتم: “أسوأ ما في المباراة هو الحكم، في الأول والآخر الأخطاء غير مقصودة، لكن لو كان حكم مباراة اليوم مصريًا لما مرت بخير، وهناك أخطاء كثيرة جدًا، أنا أرى أن أسوأ ما في مباراة اليوم هو التحكيم”.
Everton are back in action again today, seeking to end their Goodison Park nightmare and finally pick up some points in front of home support.
Having played there four times now, the crowd have only been treated to a sole goal, and even that marked a consolation as they handed Luton Town their first win in Premier League history. Today's clash with AFC Bournemouth has thus become a must-win, seeking to avoid five straight home defeats to start the new term.
Whilst Sean Dyche has plenty of headaches to contend with, one he can quickly solve is to drop the underperforming Ashley Young.
How has Ashley Young been playing?
When he was brought in on a free transfer over the summer, it was a piece of business largely lauded, as a shrewd investment set to offer ample cover for a cut price.
However, for some reason the 38-year-old has started all seven of their league matches, with his lack of pace so painfully evident.
His 6.50 average match rating is indicative of these poor performances, whilst Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe sought to highlight one moment of madness in their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Aston Villa, speaking live: "The throw-in from Ashley Young is diabolical,” Hinchcliffe said. “It’s just appalling. There’s no other word for it. Disgraceful defending. How do you recover from this?”
The Hatters even sought to exploit his lack of dynamism at the weekend, firing balls in behind for him to chase, and subsequently conceding fouls and corners which allowed them to threaten. Both of their goals would come from set pieces, with Young receiving a 5.8 rating, having been dribbled past once and also noted as at fault for one of the goals, via Sofascore.
Dyche cannot keep allowing the ageing liability to start, and as such he must be dropped in favour of the far more athletic Nathan Patterson.
How good is Nathan Patterson?
Whilst not perhaps quite as experienced or technically proficient, at the very least the Scotland international boasts enough pace to compete with the tricky wingers the Premier League's finest often poses, with today being no different.
Injury-free, he would have the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Dango Ouattara and Justin Kluivert to choose from, all of whom would pose a potent threat.
Fortunately, when he has played, the £28k-per-week defender has remained largely solid, averaging 2.3 tackles and 3.8 ball recoveries per game in the league, whilst also managing 0.8 key passes per game, via Sofascore.
At the very least, starting Patterson is a far smarter option purely to continue his development, of which huge potential still lies waiting to be unearthed. After all, pundit Danny Murphy had suggested it would take little time for Evertonians to latch onto the 21-year-old before injuries curtailed his progress: "I think the fans are going to love him, the way he bombs forward and gets a foot in. They love that, the Evertonians.
"Late in the game he has the fitness levels and concentration to defend properly. He is a diamond, they really have got themselves a good player in the market. He is a terrific young player."
That athleticism could be key in stirring the Goodison Park crowd after numerous games now where they have been left with little to shout about. Patterson at least deserves the opportunity to shine, with Young's disastrous recent displays the perfect reason Dyche has surely been searching for.
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have played each other in every Premier League season, and have served up some classic moments.
Throughout their clashes, there have been plenty of great goals, so we’ve decided to pick out and rank some of the best goals scored between the teams in their fixtures gone by.
13
Philippe Coutinho v Spurs (2014)
The Brazilian magician, Philippe Coutinho, was some player during his time in Merseyside, and he created a whole dossier of marvellous goals across his five-year stay. So it should come as no surprise that he features on this list.
This particular effort against the North London club was a fine example of how to strike a low-driven shot. Whilst learning the mechanics and intricacies of football as a young player, you’re always taught to find the bottom corners – low and hard – as keepers hate it.
And that’s exactly what the fleet-footed playmaker did, making it almost impossible for Hugo Lloris to save it. His goal was Liverpool’s third of the game as they dispatched the visitors 4-0.
The victory lifted Brendan Rodgers’ side to the summit of the Premier League table, two points clear of title-rivals Chelsea, whilst Spurs remained in sixth, cut adrift of the top four.
Coutinho’s first full season at the Reds saw him rack up 13 goal contributions.
Skip to 2:37 for the goal.
12
Chris Armstrong v Liverpool (2000)
Spurs outlaid a club-record £4.5m to sign Crystal Palace centre-forward Chris Armstrong in July 1995, and across his 161 appearances for the North Londoners, he netted 55 goals.
Though, perhaps not many better than his stunning effort against Liverpool at the start of the 21st century. He riffled in a 25-yard right-footed strike into the top corner, giving his side a much-needed 1-0 victory over one of the division’s form sides.
The Reds were starting to be talked about as potential title candidates heading into this January affair but those aspirations were dented by the Spurs frontman, who scored a commendable 14 goals that season.
The Lilywhites ended up finishing in 10th whilst their away opposition secured fourth place.
11
John Arne Riise v Spurs (2006)
We all know Liverpool fullback John Arne Riise was partial to a screamer, or two, and that powerful left foot of his produced another thunderbolt, here.
The Norwegian coasted onto Luis Garcia’s pass unassumingly before gaining a sight at goal from 36 yards out and leathering a thunderous effort past Paul Robinson, who could barely react in time to the authoritative strike.
His 89th-minute goal was Liverpool’s third of the game as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over their away opposition.
10
Luis Suárez v Spurs (2013)
Luis Suarez
Liverpool ran riot at White Hart Lane as they swept past Andre Villas Boas’ Tottenham Hotspur side. The Merseysiders secured an emphatic 5-0 victory with Luis Suárez the star of the show.
The Uruguayan forward netted a brace and laid on two assists as his side moved up to second in the Premier League table, two points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
Suárez’s second goal of the game in the 84th minute was an absolute beauty and worthy of placing inside our top 10 selections. Luis Alberto notched the ball forward into his path before he cooly converted a delicious 20-yard chip over the onrushing Hugo Lloris.
The former Ajax striker enjoyed a prolific campaign that year, scoring a whopping 31 league goals in 33 appearances.
Skip to 1:42 for the goal.
9
Sami Hyypiä v Spurs (2005)
Sami Hyypiä scored a beautiful 18-yard volley to earn his side a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur in April 2005. The Finnish defender adapted superbly to a looping clearance as he riffled home past the Spurs shot-stopper Paul Robinson.
The volley technique in itself is difficult, but it was made even harder given the height from which the ball came down from and because of that, it makes our rankings.
The Reds failed to make the top four that year as their Merseyside rivals Everton finished a place above them in fourth. Though, the season will be mostly remembered for their incredible Champions League final comeback in Istanbul, beating AC Milan on penalties after overturning a three-goal deficit in normal time.
Skip to 3:41 for the goal.
8
Mohamed Salah v Spurs (2018)
Mohamed Salah’s sublime solo goal in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur back in February 2018 joins the list in eighth.
What’s remarkable about this goal is that Salah stopped to appeal for a handball and as he realised it wasn’t going to be given he turned on the burners and skipped past two defenders before cooly lifting the ball over Lloris.
The Egyptian thought his 91st-minute effort was the winner but the eventful game threw another curveball right at the death, as Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 95th minute to join the 100-club and share the spoils.
Perhaps Salah’s goal would’ve placed a lot higher up had the defending not been so poor.
7
Alberto Moreno v Spurs (2014)
Alberto Moreno’s first goal for Liverpool was a special one…
The Spaniard dispossessed Andros Townsend in his own half before marauding forward into the opposition area and powering the ball low and hard into the corner.
The full-back crafted the marvellous goal all by himself and put the away side 3-0 to the good to seal all three points on Brendan Rodgers’ 100th game in charge of the club.
Moreno’s £12m transfer fee in the summer certainly looked well-spent that afternoon.
6
David Ginola v Liverpool (1998)
David Ginola displayed a moment of magic to put his side 2-1 up against the Reds back in March 1998. The dazzling French winger chopped inside onto his left foot before striking a wonderful 20-yard curling effort past Brad Friedel.
Ginola netted six league goals that season whilst providing three assists as his side managed to beat the drop, finishing in 14th. The underwhelming campaign was his first in a Spurs shirt following a £2.5m move from Newcastle United in the summer.
His Magpies teammate Les Ferdinand also joined him in North London.
Skip to 2:16 for the goal.
5
Luka Modrić v Liverpool (2011)
Luka Modric for Tottenham.
Luka Modrić opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a sublime 25-yard screamer as his side dealt the travelling Merseysiders a thumping 4-0 defeat on the afternoon.
The Croat’s snap-shot effort caught Pepe Reina off guard but in all honesty, two readied goalkeepers were never getting to to his top-corner rocket.
Modrić was the subject of a £40m bid from Chelsea in the summer of 2011 but remained at White Hart Lane for the season before completing a switch to LaLiga giants Real Madrid.
His final year at the North Londoners saw him tally up five goals, though, none perhaps as good as this one.
4
Benoît Assou-Ekotto v Liverpool (2009)
Spurs left-back Benoît Assou-Ekotto produced an absolute showstopper in his side’s opening-day 2-1 home victory against the Reds.
Tom Huddlestone’s blocked freekick fell kindly for the Cameroon international, who shifted the ball onto his left foot before unleashing a 25-yard thunderbolt into the top right corner.
Remarkably, it was Assou-Ekotto’s first goal for the club having signed from French outfit Lens three years prior, though you wouldn’t have known it given how confidently he struck the ball.
The North Londoners went on to finish in fourth place that year under the stewardship of Harry Redknapp, whilst their opposition placed in seventh.
Not only will Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou be praying that his raft of first-team stars return injury-free following the current international break, but the 58-year-old will also likely be paying close attention to how those figures perform while representing their respective countries.
Although this halt to club action is not yet at an end, there have already been some standout performances from members of the Spurs squad in recent days, with that coming off the back of what has been a fine, unbeaten start to the new Premier League season back at N17.
Which Tottenham players are on international duty?
There are currently as many as 16 first-team players who are turning out for their respective nations, with the Welsh trio of Ben Davies, Joe Rodon and Brennan Johnson notably coming up against South Korean hero, Heung-min Son last week in what was a goalless draw in Cardiff.
Among those also earning a national team call-up was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with the 27-year-old – who had been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid – perhaps catching the eye of Postecoglou after scoring against both San Marino and Finland for his native Denmark.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
That latter strike saw the former Southampton man score with just minutes remaining to clinch a vital 1-0 win in European Championship qualifying, with the experienced asset having been heavily involved in proceedings after racking up 128 touches in total, while enjoying a stellar 96% pass accuracy rate.
Having been a mere bit-part player in the early weeks of the season in north London, the one-time Bayern Munich ace could well have provided Postecoglou with a reminder of his qualities following those two standout showings, with it perhaps something of a blessing in disguise that the Dane did not seal a move away last month.
Hojbjerg was not alone in having impressed over the weekend, however, with teammate Cristian Romero also proving a real shining light amid his sensational display in Argentina's narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador at the start of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
How did Cristian Romero perform for Argentina?
While it was talisman Lionel Messi who unsurprisingly stole the headlines with his curling, late free-kick in Friday's triumph, the Inter Miami maestro himself admitted that it was the Spurs warrior who had been "man of the match" following what was an "amazing performance" from the 25-year-old.
Also described as the "best defender in the world right now" by his legendary compatriot, Romero was an immense presence in the backline for Lionel Scaloni's side, with his 8.0 match rating, as per Sofascore, only bettered by Rodrigo De Paul for either side.
The ex-Atalanta man – who has been described as an "animal" in the past by former Tottenham 'keeper Pierluigi Gollini – was his typically tenacious self after winning seven of his eight ground duels as well as four of his seven aerial duels, putting his body on the line repeatedly for the World Champions.
Not only a man mountain at the back, with seven tackles to his name in total, the £165k-per-week asset was also able to showcase his composure in possession after enjoying a 99% pass accuracy rate in total from his 87 touches, proving that he is not always something of "a reckless teenager" – as described by journalist Sam Dean earlier this year.
Cristian Romero
Reports in Argentina even quipped following that immense performance that Romero would return to England 'overweight' as he has Ecuador's Enner Valencia in his back pocket, while the aforementioned Scaloni hailed that "very complete" display from his defensive star.
It is no doubt a positive for Postecoglou to see the all-action defender – and Hojbjerg – shining so brightly, with that likely to help maintain the strong momentum that the Lilywhites have built-up in the early weeks of the season.
Sunderland are set to be without one of their first-team players for the immediate future, following a fresh update.
Who is injured for Sunderland?
Tony Mowbray currently has Dennis Cirkin and Bradley Dack both on the sidelines with their own respective injuries at the Stadium of Light, alongside new signing Timothee Pembele, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer but is still building up his fitness, as per ChronicleLive.
In addition to those three, Nazariy Rusyn still hasn’t been given international clearance so is yet to be able to make his debut for the northeast outfit, but they aren't the only players who won’t be available for selection for Wednesday evening’s fixture at Ewood Park.
Following his arrival back in January, Pierre Ekwah has made a total of 25 senior appearances and has quickly become an integral member of the boss’ squad, but he was forced off the pitch in the previous game against Queens Park Rangers.
During the 3-1 victory over Gareth Ainsworth’s side, the defensive midfielder had to be replaced by Alex Pritchard on 14 minutes after taking a knock to the knee – which is an area that he’s previously been affected by – and the manager has now delivered a new update on the 21-year-old’s situation.
How long is Pierre Ekwah out for?
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Mowbray confirmed that Ekwah is ruled out of not just the match vs Blackburn but likely one or two more, whilst also sharing details on the injury to Cirkin.
As quoted by the club’s official website, he said: “Dennis is going to be a few weeks. He will potentially be back after the next international break.
"Pierre, he has a haematoma or a dead leg. Within five minutes of the game starting (at QPR), he got another bang and it was too sore for him. It is quite swollen so he probably needs around ten days to let it settle down. We don’t have any huge concerns about it but he will miss a game or two.”
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
How good is Pierre Ekwah?
According to journalist and Black Cats fan Josh Bunting, Ekwah has been a “vital cog” for Sunderland since putting pen to paper, so considering the positive impact that he makes, it’ll be a huge blow for Mowbray to not have him at his disposal in Lancashire and likely against Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday as well.
The Frenchman has made ten tackles so far this season which is the third-highest total throughout the squad, via FBRef, and alongside his desire to get stuck in and win back possession for his team, he’s also extremely calm and composed on the ball having recorded a 90.2% pass success rate in the Championship.
Furthermore, the left-footed ace, who has additionally scored two goals in six second-tier outings this term, has the ability to operate at centre-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role in front of the backline, but his excellent versatility is another quality that the coach will have to cope without for a short spell.