Four things Klopp got right as Liverpool beat Spurs in seven-goal thriller

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    Jurgen Klopp's team selection and tactical approach proved crucial as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

    The Reds raced into a three-goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes thanks to goals from Curtis Jones, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah before their opponents came back into the match. Spurs were able to pull back two goals, with Harry Kane and Heung-min Son scoring either side of the half-time interval, before Richarlison equalised in stoppage time.

    However, Diogo Jota then popped up a minute later to grab a dramatic winner for the Reds. With Liverpool claiming all three points, here are four things that Klopp got right at Anfield.

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    High intensity

    Liverpool started the match with a high level of intensity, which Spurs struggled to cope with.

    The visitors were unable to keep up with their opponents, chasing shadows for much of the first half, leaving space for the Reds to storm into a three-goal lead in the opening quarter of an hour.

    Liverpool continued with the approach as they chased more goals later in the half, although Spurs were able to pull a goal back through Harry Kane and did enjoy more success in the closing minutes of the opening half.

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    Return of Luis Diaz

    Diaz made his first start since October on Sunday having recovered from a knee injury.

    The Colombian wasted no time reminding fans of his talents as he took just five minutes to get on the scoresheet.

    Having come into the side after Diogo Jota picked up a knock in midweek, Diaz’s return proved a boost for Klopp ahead of the final weeks of the season. His ability to score, as shown on Sunday, will ease the burden on Salah and Cody Gakpo in front of goal.

    Starting Curtis Jones

    Klopp once again chose to start Jones, a decision which paid off almost immediately as the midfielder opened the scoring after just three minutes, ghosting in at the back post to convert Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.

    The academy graduate continued to impress as the game progressed, showing exactly why he is currently on run of consecutive league starts.

    Alexander-Arnold moving into midfield

    Jones was not the only Liverpool player to impress in midfield, with Alexander-Arnold again given the task of moving into the centre of the pitch.

    The full-back provided an extra man for Liverpool in midfield both in and out of possession when he moved forward, which proved to be a huge advantage for the Reds.

    Spurs were unable to cope or adapt to deal with the spare man in midfield, with Alexander-Arnold also grabbing an assist for the opener.

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    • Jurgen Klopp
    • Liverpool FC

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