The Japan Times - Spurs strike late to stun Liverpool, end losing streak

Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick had Tottenham headed for a seventh consecutive defeat in all competitions.

But Liverpool were made to pay for another lacklustre performance when the former Everton forward levelled late on.

A point edges Spurs one point ahead of relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham with eight games to go.

Liverpool move above Chelsea into fifth, but Arne Slot's men wasted a huge chance to climb into fourth and strengthen their chances of Champions League football next season.

Interim Spurs boss Igor Tudor survived calls for his sacking after a 5-2 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.

The Croatian rewarded that faith with a far more spirited display despite his squad being ravaged by injuries and suspensions.

Tottenham have not experienced life outside the English top flight since 1977/78.

They remain without a league win in 2026, but will be heartened by an unexpected point given their terrible recent record at Anfield.

Liverpool have been in far from stellar form themselves of late.

Yet, Slot still took the calculated gamble to rest some of his stars ahead of Wednesday's Champions League visit of Galatasaray.

Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike were among those dropped to the bench from the side that started a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul on Tuesday.

Teenage winger Rio Ngumoha sparkled on a rare start for the 17-year-old.

But not for the first time this season, it was a Szoboszlai set-piece that made the breakthrough at Anfield.

The Hungarian opened the scoring against both Arsenal and Manchester City with stunning free-kicks earlier in the season.

This time Szoboszlai had Guglielmo Vicario to thank as the Italian got two hands to his strike but failed to keep it out.

Vicario had been recalled by Tudor after Antonin Kinsky lasted just 17 minutes against Atletico before being subsituted after two glaring errors.

But Vicario's poor form is what led to Kinsky getting a chance in Madrid and his latest error proved costly.

At the other end, Alisson Becker showed the worth of a world class goalkeeper.

Twice he denied Brazil teammate Richarlison with fine saves either side of half-time.

Ekitike and Salah made their introduction for the final 25 minutes.

Salah should have sealed the three points, but his waning powers in front of goal showed in a woeful finish with just Vicario to beat.

That miss proved costly as Randal Kolo Muani outmuscled Andy Robertson to set up Richarlison, who this time beat Alisson low to his right.

K.Inoue--JT