Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham: Premier League 2025-26 match report

The Premier League encounter at Anfield on Sunday afternoon concluded in a stalemate, as Liverpool and Tottenham shared the points in a 1–1 draw. In a tactical battle between Arne Slot and Roberto De Zerbi, the hosts held the lead for the vast majority of the contest, only to be denied all three points by a late intervention in the final minute of regulation time.

The opening

Arne Slot opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to control the tempo through a compact midfield structure. The game began with both sides testing the defensive lines, but it was Liverpool who found the breakthrough in the 18th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai provided the finish, capitalizing on a moment of defensive hesitation to put the hosts ahead.

The goal settled Liverpool into a rhythm, forcing Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham to adjust their 4-4-2 setup. Throughout the remainder of the first half, Liverpool maintained a disciplined defensive shape, limiting Tottenham’s ability to find space in the final third. De Zerbi’s side struggled to break down the home side's defensive block, often finding themselves crowded out in the central channels. Despite the pressure, the visitors remained composed, looking to transition quickly whenever they forced a turnover, though they entered the interval trailing by a single goal.

The decisive moment

The second half saw a flurry of tactical adjustments as both managers looked to influence the game from the bench. Slot made a triple substitution in the 64th minute, introducing Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Rio Ngumoha in an attempt to inject fresh energy and secure the second goal that would have likely put the game beyond reach.

As the clock ticked toward the final ten minutes, the intensity of the match increased. Tottenham, having already introduced Mathys Tel and Djed Spence, pushed higher up the pitch in search of an equalizer. Liverpool seemed poised to see out the result, but the visitors’ persistence paid off in the 90th minute. Randal Kolo Muani, who had been a focal point of the Tottenham attack throughout the afternoon, provided the decisive assist for Richarlison. The Brazilian forward, who had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes following a late substitution, found the back of the net to level the scoreline.

The goal silenced Anfield and forced a frantic stoppage time period, but neither side could find a winner before the referee blew the final whistle. The draw reflected a match where Liverpool’s early efficiency was eventually matched by Tottenham’s late tactical resilience.

Looking ahead

The result leaves Liverpool searching for consistency as they navigate the final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign, with the dropped points potentially proving costly in their pursuit of top-tier positioning. For Tottenham, the late equalizer serves as a testament to their squad depth and determination, providing a morale-boosting point away from home that keeps their momentum intact for the upcoming fixtures.