Spurs answer Tudor's call with show of fight in the face of crisis

Spurs had shown this new-found spirit even before they suffered the blow of Dominik Szoboszlai's 18th minute free-kick, a decent strike but one that a poorly-positioned Guglielmo Vicario, back in goal for the unfortunate Kinsky, should have kept out.

In Vicario's defence, he later made a magnificent save when he turned Cody Gakpo's shot on to the post. That moment kept Spurs in the game when a second Liverpool goal might have killed them off.

Richarlison, the pantomime villain, had the last word as he, above all, answered Tudor's call to fight.

He still retains hero status at Everton for his brilliant performances and efforts when they just about retained their Premier League status in 2021-22.

Spurs will need him to do the same now as he showed here just how vital he could prove to be in tandem with the tireless Dominic Solanke.

Richarlison's goal took him to 100 goal contributions (73 goals, 27 assists) in the Premier League. Roberto Firmino (132) and Gabriel Jesus (118) are the only other Brazilians to reach that milestone.

As for Liverpool, there was little comfort in this result as they missed the chance to move back into the Premier League's top four, feeling the full anger of their fans at the finale.

The one shaft of light was a superb performance from 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, selected ahead of Mohamed Salah. He received a standing ovation when he was substituted after 64 minutes, unlike the Egyptian, who simply could not do anything right when he came on.

As for Spurs, it remains to be seen if this excellent display is to be an exception rather than the rule - but for the first time in a long time there was light at the end of what has been the darkest of tunnels.