Maxi Rodriguez missed a clear scoring chance and Fernando Torres had two breakaways, but Tottenham had three scoring chances that were closer than that — two goal-line saves by outfield players and a butchered Jermaine Defoe penalty, not to mention a late goal by Defoe waived off by the flag. While Liverpool looked capable of scoring, it was Tottenham's match for the majority of the 90 minutes.
Still, there was a lot positive for Liverpool. Raul Meireles and Lucas really shined in midfield, significantly outplaying Wilson Palacios in the center. In fact, Meireles looked the best that he has ever been in a Liverpool uniform. As a substitute in midfield, Fabio Aurelio also was impressive in his ability to threaten forward and create like a natural midfielder — not a converted back.
Martin Skrtel may have scored on his own net, but he actually played a great game. If he had not scored past Pepe Reina, Peter Crouch surely would have, and he was strong in defense against the oversized striker throughout. Jamie Carragher was able to join him in making important challenges, but his lack of pace did leave Liverpool exposed at the back on occasion. His injury, also, looked worrisome. Paul Konchesky had a poor game, being beaten by Aaron Lennon relatively consistently, including for the match-winner. Sunday's performances would merit Fabio Aurelio being restored to the position of first-choice left back. Glen Johnson handled Gareth Bale about as well as possible — which is to say that Bale didn't score, despite being the game's most influential player.
Reina made multiple important saves, but he had a worrisome habit of being caught out of position on crosses that resulted in the need for touch-line clearances from his teammates.
Going forward, David Ngog was relatively poor, though not invisible, and Fernando Torres' influence waned after his opening breakaway in the second half. On both of his breakaway efforts, he chose not to pull the trigger until he had lost his scoring angle — leaving you to wonder whether or not he was confident in his shot. Dirk Kuyt had a decent game and had multiple possible penalties not given.
The defining feature of the contest was probably Spurs' pace. Konchesky showed no ability to stay with Lennon on the final goal, Bale ran wild all day and Luka Modric dribbled past four Reds players to create Tottenham's first goal. Carragher, Skrtel and Kyrgiakos are bruising central defenders, but Johnson is the team's only truly pacy player at the back.
Still, Liverpool played with ambition. This was not one of their oddly back-footed performances. They were active, in the game and aggressive. Tottenham was simply a very strong side playing at home — a team worthy of losing a close, exciting match to.
If Liverpool can play at this level on a consistent basis, they will legitimately threaten for top-four position.
