Well, we went for 2-2 here, and who can blame us for not seeing a Mario Balotelli winner? A close game with a predictable Harry Kane goal opened up the race for a top 4 finish. Markovic's opener was cancelled out by a 23rd goal of the season for the in-form striker, and Gerrard's penalty gave Liverpool the lead for a second time before Moussa Dembélé equalised. It was Adam Lallana's cross that gave Mario Balotelli his first Premiership goal of the season, and gave Liverpool a crucial 3 points.
We thought it would be a good, high energy game where Liverpool pushed for victory and Spurs tried to hold tight knowing a loss would open up the competition for Champions League football, and we were right. Whilst Sterling's absence appeared to be a huge loss for the Reds, Brendan Rodgers's men showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with, and will be pushing Spurs, Arsenal, Southampton and Man Utd all the way. Sturridge had his first start back from injury, and showed his rustiness as his shot lacked power and he wasn't as clinical as usual, coming close with a smart back heel coming of the post, with Lloris beaten.
In the preview we said big game players such as Lloris would have to shine to cope with the Liverpool pressure, and Markovic's goal was largely the goalkeeper's fault, as the weak shot ended up in the back of the net. Eriksen came big as expected when he and Lamela helped create the first goal for Spurs and Harry Kane turned in from 10 yards out. Sturridge did impress however when he worked himself into the position to be fouled by Danny Rose for the penalty, which Gerrard coolly slotted him. For Spurs to draw level it was once again the Dane Eriksen who's good free-kick forced an impressive save from Mignolet, which Dembélé bundled home. For the winner, a tired Daniel Sturridge made way for controversial Balotelli, who hit home from close range to seal a very important victory for Liverpool. It was a similar chance to those he has had earlier in the season and it is dissapointing for Liverpool that he hasn't scored sooner in the Premier League, but that goal could score Champions League football for the Anfield team and to beat an in-form Tottenham could carry a lot of momentum for Liverpool as they push toward the end of the season.
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