EPL: Isak scores, limps off as Liverpool beat nine-man Spurs

Alexander Isak marked his return from the bench with a decisive goal before being forced off injured as Liverpool overcame nine-man Tottenham Hotspur to secure a hard-fought Premier League victory.

The Sweden forward broke the deadlock in the 56th minute but was hurt in the act of scoring. Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead soon after, and Richarlison pulled one back late on, Arne Slot’s side held firm to compound Tottenham’s miserable run.

Red cards tilt the balance

The match turned decisively in Liverpool’s favour shortly before half-time. Tottenham were reduced to 10 men when Xavi Simons was sent off following a VAR review, referee John Brooks judging his studs-down challenge on Virgil van Dijk to be serious foul play.

With Spurs already under pressure, Liverpool sensed an opportunity to take control.

Isak’s impact cut short

Slot introduced Isak at half-time after Conor Bradley picked up a knock, and the club-record £125m signing made an immediate impact.

He finished calmly past Guglielmo Vicario after being slipped through by Florian Wirtz, who registered his first Premier League assist.

However, Isak was clattered by Micky van de Ven as he shot and was unable to continue, leaving the pitch in visible pain just 15 minutes after coming on.

Ekitike extends the lead

Liverpool struck again in the 66th minute. Jeremie Frimpong’s deflected delivery was met by Ekitike, who headed home to continue his fine form with a fifth goal in three league games.

Tottenham were incensed, claiming a foul on Cristian Romero in the build-up. The Spurs captain was booked for his protests.

Late drama, Liverpool hold on

Thomas Frank turned to Richarlison late on, and the Brazilian quickly made his mark, finishing from close range in the 83rd minute after Liverpool failed to clear their lines.

Spurs pushed for an equaliser despite their numerical disadvantage, but their hopes were extinguished in injury time when Romero received a second yellow card for lashing out at Ibrahima Konaté.

Liverpool saw out the closing stages to claim the points, moving up to fifth in the table and extending their unbeaten run to six games, while Tottenham’s slump deepened with just one win in their last eight league matches.