Diogo Jota scored deep in stoppage time to rescue 3 big points for Liverpool as they topped Tottenham 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Anfield. The Reds jumped out to a 3-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes, only to see Spurs come back to tie the match in stoppage time before Jota delivered the game-winner to send Anfield into a frenzy. 

First Half

Liverpool got off to a dream start as Curtis Jones tapped home a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold for a 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute. Luis Diaz announced his return to the Starting XI in spectacular fashion scoring in the 5th minute thanks to an assist from Cody Gakpo, the Reds were up 2-0 early.

Gakpo's good play continued as he was fouled in the box and Mohamed Salah converted the resulting penalty for a 3-0 Liverpool lead after 15 minutes. Tottenham began to work their way into the game as Harry Kane appeared to be in on goal, but he was whistled for offside.

Liverpool tried to add to their lead, but Harvey Elliot missed a header. Kane continued to be a dangerous customer as he had a shot blocked off the line before he scored in the 39th minute to cut the Spurs' deficit to 3-1 at halftime.

Second Half

Liverpool earned a corner in the 50th minute, but it was cleared away. Spurs nearly pulled a goal back, but they hit the post twice, once from Son and the other from Cristian Romero, The Reds regained possession and earned a pair of corners in the 65th minute, but a Diogo Jota header was high.

Spurs made the game tighter as Son stuck on the counterattack in the 77th minute thanks to a through ball from Romero. The score remained the same until stoppage time when Richarlison, coming in as a sub a few minutes prior, scored off a free kick from Son to net the equalizer and tie the match at 3-3.

The Reds were not to be denied, however, as Jota gathered in a long outlet pass from Alison, took one dribble, and buried a left-footed shot in the bottom corner to rescue a big 3 points for the Reds.

Diogo Does It Again

Diogo Joto may have come on as a second-half substitute, but that did not stop him from having a big impact on the game. His late winner came just 90 seconds after Spurs had equalized marks Jota's 5th goal during Liverpool's 4-match Premier League. It's no surprise that Jota returning to form has coincided with Liverpool's solid stretch of play.

Salah Celebrates #300 In Style

Not only did Mohamed Salah make his 300th Liverpool appearance, but his penalty also gave him 184 career goals for the Reds. He now sits 4th all-time, breaking a tie with Robbiie Fowler and now the Egyptian King can set his sights on Steven Gerrard who has 186. 

Moving Above The Line

The reason this game was so big is that Liverpool now moves above the line for European qualification (Europa League). They are two points clear of Spurs in 5th place on the table and have completed the sweep of Tottenham after winning 2-1 in London earlier this season. 5th place on the table also marks one of Liverpool's highest positions in the standings all season.

LFC Globe Verdict

The Reds started well and finished well and at the end of the day, that was just enough to earn 3 points. I'm sure Jürgen Klopp will not be pleased with the fact that Tottenham was able to equalize, but he will take the points all day long. The Reds are playing strong football at the moment. This is the way supporters expected them to play from the beginning of the year, but I'm glad they are surging toward the finish line of the season.

Man Of The Match

Even though he did not play a full 90 minutes, Diogo Joto is my man of the match. His stoppage-time goal gave the Reds 3 points they needed to bolster European qualification efforts. The instant response by Jota after the Spurs had leveled could become legendary.

What's Next

The Reds start the final month of the season at Anfield when they take on Fulham Wednesday, May 3rd. Kickoff is set for 20:00 BST. As always there will be a match build-up in our Liverpool Streams section with a complete coverage.

Goals

Liverpool

1. Curtis Jones 3'
2. Luis Diaz 5'
3. Mohamed Salah (PK) 15'
4. Diogo Jota 90+'

Tottenham

1. Harry Kane 39'
2. Son  77'
3. Richarlison 90+'

Substitutions

Liverpool

1. Diogo Jota for Luis Diaz 63'
2. Jordan Henderson for Harvey Elliott 63'
3. Darwin Núñez for Cody Gakpo 73'
4. James Milner for Curtis Jones 86'

Tottenham

1. Pape Matar Sarr for Dejan Kulusevski 66'
2. Richarlison for Oliver Skipp 84'
3. Arnaut Danjuma for Ivan Perisic 90'
4. Lucas Moura for Pedro Porro 90'