Premier League: Liverpool Klopp era begins with goalless draw at Spurs
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | October 17, 2015
Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool
Premier League
Saturday, October 17th
White Hart Lane, London
Spurs and Reds share the spoils in Klopp’s first game in charge
Liverpool’s knee injury troubles worsened prior to Jurgen Klopp’s first game in charge, as star striker Daniel Sturridge had to sit out of the clash at Tottenham due to a knock.
His absence showed as neither side could find a goal, but it certainly was a lively affair, where Reds keeper Simon Mignolet shone brightest.
The visitors (50/1 shouts with Coral to win the 2015/16 Premier League) predictably started the game confidently, closing down well and getting forward, and their early dominance nearly paid off in the 10th minute from a corner.
Emre Can headed on to frontman Divock Origi, but it hit the crossbar before bouncing on the line and somehow Spurs were able to clear.
Mignolet magic ensures Liverpool clean sheet
Mauricio Pochettino’s men had their first real chance just before half-an-hour, as Clinton Njie forced a fine save from Mignolet.
The Belgian had to come to the rescue again 10 minutes later, as Harry Kane was through on goal and you would’ve bet your house on him to score. However, the young England forward struck straight at Mignolet’s feet, while Mamadou Sakho was on hand to block well from Dele Alli’s follow-up shot.
Spurs certainly found their feet towards to end of the half, after a shaky opening to the game, and Njie came close minutes later from a dipping effort from far out, but it just scraped the top of the net.
Origi had chances but couldn’t convert
It was a dull start after the break in terms of chances created, but Origi finally had an opportunity to get his side’s first goal of the Klopp era with just over 10 minutes to go. The Belgian used trickery to get past the defender, and fired well on target, but unfortunately for him right at Hugo Lloris.
Kane came close late on with a vicious strike outside the box, but once again Mignolet did brilliantly well to palm away, despite there being a deflection from Sakho.
Liverpool must’ve fans thought they’d won the match with one minute to go as Can caught the ball well from far, but was just wide of Lloris’ right post.
The goalless draw puts both Tottenham and the Reds up one place in the Premier League table, to seventh and ninth respectively, ahead of the other top-flight weekend fixtures.
Klopp will certainly be happy with his start to life as Liverpool boss, particularly with the number of injuries that have occurred since his reign began, and he guided them to a first clean sheet in eight games.
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