Liverpool’s narrow win at Tottenham Hotspur had a lot to offer: two unnecessary red cards, Wirtz’s assist – and unfortunately also an injury to Isak.
Florian Wirtz has for the first time in the Premier League a goal from FC Liverpool prepared with a passport. In Liverpool FC’s 2-1 (0-0) win Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday (December 20th, 2025) the former Leverkusen player Alexander Isak served before his opening goal (57th). Ex-Bundesliga professionals were also involved in the second goal: Jeremie Frimpong crossed to Hugo Ekitiké, who prevailed with borderline use of his arm (66′). Richarlison (83′) shortened the score for Spurs.
Liverpool played in the majority for a long time after Tottenham’s Xavi Simons was shown the red card for a clumsy and unnecessary calf kick (33′). In stoppage time, Tottenham’s captain Cristian Romero also had to leave the field with a yellow-red card (90th + 3). Even when they were twice outnumbered, Tottenham still struggled to equalize because Liverpool didn’t act particularly confidently.
Goalscorer Isak was also unlucky: he twisted his knee when he scored the opening goal. The 144 million euro addition is threatened with a long break. Liverpool is on the rise after its results crisis and is now unbeaten in six competitive games.
Xavi’s cleats tear a hole in van Dijk’s socks
Tottenham had started well and played on an equal footing with the favored guests. Ex-Frankfurt player Randal Kolo Muani also had a good chance with his head. Simons’ failure after half an hour was all the more bitter.
The former Leipzig player attacked Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk in the build-up game, so that Liverpool’s defense chief played back to the goalkeeper. Simons clumsily kicked his Dutch national teammate in the calf with no chance of getting the ball, and his cleats even tore a hole in the socks. Referee John Brooks saw the goal on the screen after the VAR warning and decided on a red card.
Xavi Simons is shown a red card
Liverpool then took direct control of the game. Wirtz drew attention with a dribble and a shot, but it went into the locker room goalless.
Isak comes on the break, scores and has to go down
For the second half, Liverpool coach Arne Slot brought Isak on as a second striker alongside Ekitiké. The visitors quickly established themselves in Tottenham’s penalty area, but seemed unable to find a gap in the dense defense. Wirtz was often sought after and, as a creative player, is the right man in such situations, but initially he couldn’t find a solution.
Only when Spurs captain Romero made a bad pass in the build-up game did there suddenly be more space. Wirtz used it to pass through to Isak. The former Dortmund striker scored his second goal of the season from a half-left position, but he couldn’t be happy about it. He lay there, his face contorted in pain, holding his knee. He then limped off the field supported and was replaced by Frimpong.
Alexander Isak leaves the field injured
Tottenham didn’t give up yet, Kolo Muani came through strongly in the 64th minute. He sprinted free and finished from half-right. The ball was deflected and hit the crossbar.
Frimpong serves Ekitiké
Shortly afterwards, Frimpong dribbled into a crossing position on the right. His cross was deflected and landed with an arc in the six-yard box, where Ekitiké made space for Romero with outstretched arms and headed it into the right corner. Referee Brooks allowed the game to continue and the VAR did not intervene, even though the push had clearly thrown Romero off balance as he jumped.
Liverpool then wanted to extend the lead over time without taking any risks. The plan only worked to a limited extent because Richarlison took advantage of an unclear situation in the penalty area to score the next goal. Shortly afterwards he had a great chance to equalize, but Ibrahima Konaté saved at the last moment.
Romero loses his nerve
As Tottenham continued to push for a 2-2 score in stoppage time, Romero lost his nerve. After a duel, he was on the ground with Konaté and kicked the Liverpool player in the arm. He had to leave the field with a traffic light card.
Even when they were twice outnumbered, Liverpool failed to control the game; Tottenham continued to attack and still had chances. It was no longer enough to equalize. The conspicuous Wirtz was substituted deep into stoppage time. He appeared injured and limped off the pitch.
Dominik Szoboszlai still saw yellow and will be in Liverpool’s next Premier League game next Saturday (December 27, 2025, 4 p.m.). Wolverhampton yellow blocked.