KATHMANDU: Mohamed Salah swiftly moved past last week's touchline disagreement with Jurgen Klopp by netting the opening goal in Liverpool's 4-2 victory against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday. Salah's heated exchange with Klopp during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with West Ham dominated headlines in the days that followed. However, the Egyptian forward returned to the starting lineup and found the back of the net to propel his team towards victory against Spurs at Anfield.
Salah had already threatened to score before he capitalized on Cody Gakpo's cross from the left in the 16th minute, rising at the far post to head home. Tottenham's hopes of securing Champions League qualification were buoyed after fourth-placed Aston Villa suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Brighton. Yet, Ange Postecoglou's side appeared incapable of capitalizing on that result as they were outclassed by Liverpool.
Liverpool extended their lead to 2-0 just before halftime when Salah's shot was parried by Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, and Andy Robertson pounced on the rebound. The home side's dominance in the first half was duly rewarded, with Vicario forced into numerous desperate saves. While the title may be out of reach for Klopp's team, Liverpool showed determination to finish the season strongly for the departing German manager.
Gakpo added Liverpool's third goal early in the second half with a header at the far post from Harvey Elliott's precise left-footed cross. Elliott then showcased his individual brilliance, scoring Liverpool's fourth goal with a stunning left-footed shot from around 20 yards. Although Richarlison pulled one back for Tottenham, Liverpool held on for the win, with Joe Gomez making a crucial clearance to deny Brennan Johnson late in the game.
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