Football: Liverpool crushes Tottenham and takes the lead

Better than ever, Liverpool treated themselves to a feast at Tottenham with a big victory (3-6), during the 17th day of the Premier League, which gave them a four-point lead over Chelsea, uninspired at Everton (0- 0).

Beyond the unusual score, Liverpool controlled Spurs right down to the scenario and tempo of the match, often giving the impression of voluntarily letting the opponent regain a footing, even if it meant conceding three almost anecdotal goals.

Liverpool were already 2-0 up when James Maddison reduced the score just before the break, then immediately scored a third goal and were 5-1 up when the north Londoners scored twice. Each new acceleration of the Reds was enough to suffocate the opponent.

Beyond the overwhelming mechanics he has put in place, Arne Slot can count more than ever on Mohamed Salah, author of two goals and two assists and now alone at the top of the scorers' ranking with 15 goals, ahead of Erling Haaland (13). Luis Diaz also scored his double, while MacAllister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai flew over the midfield.

Barely more than four months after his debut on the Reds bench, Arne Slot has already managed to raise his team to the same heights as Jürgen Klopp was able to do, while waiting to confirm in the long term.

After the notable victories at Manchester United (0-3) and Milan (1-3), ahead of Chelsea (2-1), Leverkusen (4-0), Real Madrid (2-0) and Manchester City (2-0 ), the Dutch technician did not hide his satisfaction at a press conference: “Until the 65th minute, I really liked what I saw. Incredible performance. Our best away, even if the one at Manchester United was also notable. But we shouldn't have slowed down against a team like Tottenham.

This defeat is a mess for Tottenham, 11th in the standings. The club has conceded 13 goals in its last three home matches.

Only six months after inflicting a heavy defeat (6-0) at Stamford Bridge on the same Everton team, Chelsea expected an easier Sunday. After eight consecutive victories in all competitions, the Blues deserved nothing more than a 0-0 in the rain and wind at Goodison Park.

It was even Everton, 15th in the standings, who pushed the hardest to achieve victory in the second half. An intervention by Tosin Adarabioyo in front of Iliman Ndiaye (77th), facing the goal, at least made it possible to preserve the invincibility of the Blues (last defeat at Liverpool, 2-1, on October 20).

With seven goals conceded in three days, after the elimination in the League Cup at Tottenham on Thursday evening (4-3), Ruben Amorim had confirmation of the defensive difficulties of his Manchester United team, pitifully beaten by Bournemouth at Old Trafford (0-3).

As in the defeats against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, the Red Devils were caught out on a set piece, with a goal from young central defender Dean Huijsen (29th). Without Marcus Rashford – not selected – nor Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, who only entered in the second half, the Mancuniens took too long to shake up their opponent.

Justin Kluivert (61st, from the penalty spot) then Antoine Semenyo (63rd) completed the job, which allowed Bournemouth to overtake Aston Villa and Manchester City in the standings and spend Christmas in 5th position.

13th, nine points from 4th place, Manchester United may have drawn a line under participation in the next Champions League.

First successful match, moreover, for the new Wolverhampton coach Vitor Pereira, with a big victory at Leicester (0-3).

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