Liverpool Echo

Liverpool will soon discover the extent of damage done to Alexander Isak done during Saturday's 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur. The striker was forced off injured immediately after opening the scoring in north London with the Reds fearing the worst.

Isak scored just his second Premier League goal since his £125m summer deadline day transfer when he was clattered by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. The Liverpool striker required instant treatment and help from medical staff in making his way off the field.

Scans on Monday are set to determine the exact damage dealt from the reckless challenge, with club fearful their No.9 is in line for a lengthy lay-off, but hopeful he has avoided a knee issue.

Liverpool sent new referee verdict on Alexander Isak red card tackle as official 'astonished'

What Liverpool star Mohamed Salah did in Egypt training ahead of AFCON opener

The first part of John Aldridge's ECHO column assesses Saturday's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur

It was another step in the right direction for Liverpool on Saturday as they made it six games unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. That might be the main takeaway from another positive result for Arne Slot but you have to say the final few minutes bordered on comical at times.

Look, it's three points, Arne Slot and his players are up to fifth and closing in on the top four with two very winnable games against Wolves and Leeds at home next, but it was concerning how little they were able to dominate, despite playing so long against 10 and then against nine.

It happened at Newcastle back in August too. When Anthony Gordon got sent off, it allowed Liverpool to go 2-0 up at St James' Park but they never dominated and allowed the hosts back into the game that night, securing a victory with a dramatic, 100th-minute winner via teenager Rio Ngumoha.

And it nearly happened again on Saturday. Despite having the man advantage for so long, they were not able to control the way Slot would have liked and had Spurs not been reduced to nine after Cristian Romero's kick on Ibrahima Konate, Thomas Frank's men might have earned a battling point that would have felt like a win for them.

Liverpool seem to start so many games slowly nowadays. There's little movement up front, there's a lack of pace and the build up at the back is so slow and ponderous at times that it makes it easy for the opposition to defend. We know players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have moved on and as a result it looks like it has taken a lot of pace out of the team, even more so when there is no Mohamed Salah to call on.

Perhaps a lot of our expectations come from having a Jurgen Klopp style to watch for so long? Back then it was quick and crazy and at times chaotic, but it's what we got used to and what made Liverpool a very successful team during that period. This is different.

Of course, it is what helped the team win the Premier League last time out but now, the Reds look like they have few ideas in the final third. It's gone from being manic to more of a slow-burn. The pressing and the speed isn't there up top right now.

Slot's players have had real trouble defending leads this season. Four times already they have let a two-goal advantage slip - against Bournemouth, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and Leeds United - and they looked in real danger of doing it again against Spurs, who were huffing and puffing with 10 and then nine.

It would have been ludicrous had Liverpool not won that given how long they had more players for. We're just not seeing a team that knows how to dominate a game at the moment, despite what is now a decent unbeaten run of six games across all competitions.

The thing that really frightened me most is how blind panic set in whenever Spurs had a corner. There seemed to be a real fear that set in and we know Liverpool have been poor at defending set-pieces this season and it looks as though the players are aware of that too because they all panicked. It's unbelievable.

If you look at the Spurs goal, it was ridiculous from Liverpool's perspective. Whoever is coaching these set-pieces needs to spend some more time on it with these players because they look so scared at the moment. Why the panic? Just go and attack the ball.

If you look at Liverpool teams of the past, they always had the likes of Graeme Souness or Ron Yates or Phil Thompson; players who would have led during those moments. You have to wonder if they have the same leadership there now? And I think Alisson Becker can take some more responsibility too to let his team-mates know that the six-yard box is his to defend, he can come and claim or punch. Just get rid.

The last 10 minutes against Spurs, I have to say, was a bit of a joke. But, like everyone else, I was delighted to see the three points return home with the team. Now they have to keep the heat on the teams above them with two fixtures that, on paper, look very winnable.

Merry Christmas all

As this is the final ECHO column before Christmas, I just want to wish everyone all the very best for the holiday season ahead, even you Evertonians!

Your support for this column is greatly appreciated and after a year of huge changes at Liverpool, let's hope for a successful second half of the campaign for Arne Slot and his players.

Alexander Isak is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a suspected broken leg in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday

Liverpool are concerned that their record signing Alexander Isak could face a lengthy spell out of action after sustaining a suspected broken leg during Saturday's 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old was injured as he netted the match's first goal, landing awkwardly following a late sliding tackle from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.

The challenge left the Swedish international clutching his leg in agony and unable to join in the celebrations with his team-mates. He received treatment from medical staff before limping off the pitch, replaced by Jeremie Frimpong who himself was later substituted after being struck in the face by Richarlison.

Reports indicate that an MRI scan will confirm Liverpool's worst fears that their £125m summer addition has broken his leg. Speaking immediately after the match, Reds boss Arne Slot said: "It's difficult to know what he exactly has. But it's never a nice thing that after the goal he collided with their defender. Hopefully he's fine, but we have to wait and see."

This injury is a devastating setback for Liverpool, leaving them with only Hugo Ekitike as a fit, recognised striker with Cody Gakpo sidelined until the New Year and Mohamed Salah away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Isak has had a challenging start to his career at Anfield with just three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions but seemed to be hitting his stride after firing a composed finish past Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The British transfer fee record-holder will draw upon lessons learnt on Tyneside, where a series of injuries also threatened his start to life at a new club.

Following his move to Newcastle from La Liga side Real Sociedad, Isak managed only three outings before sustaining a thigh problem whilst representing his country. The striker went on to net 54 Premier League goals for the Magpies across just three campaigns, though he later revealed Newcastle's measured approach to his setback proved vital in enabling his successful comeback.

Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbollskanalen, Isak explained: "I got a thigh injury. The first six months at the club were tough and it took some time to come back from the injury, but it was still okay because I still got to play three games and show a bit.

"Then the team did so well that it took the pressure off me and I could focus on my rehab instead of thinking the team needed me. It helped a bit, but it's clear it wasn't easy."

The Sweden international sat out four fixtures at the tail end of October and beginning of November with a groin problem and may now face up to six months on the sidelines if scans reveal he has fractured his leg.

The responsibility now falls to his team-mates to maintain their positive momentum and reduce the intense scrutiny Isak was already facing due to his hefty price tag. Should they fail to do so, the disappointment surrounding his challenging introduction to life on Merseyside will only intensify.

For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @‌LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.

We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.

Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.

Wayne Rooney heaps praise on Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike after he scored his 11th of the campaign in Saturday's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur

Wayne Rooney has branded Hugo Ekitike as the best signing of the summer transfer window after the Liverpool striker scored his 11th goal of the season at the weekend.

France international Ekitike nodded home the Reds' second as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in North London and the £79 signing from Eintracht Frankfurt has now scored twice as many as the club's second highest marksman in the Premier League in Cody Gakpo, who has four for the term.

Ekitike is now expected to lead the line for the foreseeable future due to a potential significant lay-off for fellow striker Alexander Isak and Rooney was full of praise for how the No.22 has adapted to life at Liverpool since his transfer to Merseyside.

“He's been one of, if not the best, signing in the Premier League," Manchester United and England legend Rooney said, on his eponymous BBC podcast.

"And fair play to him because the pressure on him must have been huge because obviously he cost quite a bit of money as well, but with Liverpool bringing Wirtz in and Isak, there was a huge amount of pressure on him to try and get in the team. "And he's been the one who's the most consistent one for them in terms of scoring goals and his overall play has been really good. And he's playing with a bit of an attitude which I like as well from him. “Liverpool have come back into form, which I'm sure obviously for Arne Slot is good. So yeah, unfortunately, hopefully that doesn't continue (laughs). "But yes, have to give them credit. To go to Tottenham, even though Tottenham aren't in the best run of form, it's always a difficult place to go. So to go there and win the way they did, fair play to them." Rooney added: “They look more solid, they look like they're not conceding as many goals. They look like they're working together to not concede goals and they definitely look more solid. "And with the attacking players they’ve got on the team, if you don't concede goals, then obviously you've got a better chance to win games. And when you say about going back to basics, which I've said on here quite a few times.

"It looks like defensively they've said: ‘We're going to be harder to beat, we're going to be hard to play against, hard to score against’.

"And then you rely on your forward players to go and win you the game and it sounds simple but that looks like what they've done and that's obviously helping them.”

The Premier League champions return to action when they host rock-bottom Wolves on December 27.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have become the latest to have their say on Xavi Simons' red card during Liverpool's win at Tottenham on Saturday night

Gary Lineker does not think Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons should have been shown a red card during Liverpool's 2-1 win against Spurs on Saturday. Netherlands international Simons was given his marching orders in the 33rd minute following a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk had passed the ball back to Alisson Becker when Simons appeared to catch the Liverpool captain late on the back of his Achilles. Referee John Brooks initially gave the Spurs man with a yellow card, but was then advised by VAR to have another look at the incident on his pitch-side monitor.

Brooks opted to upgrade the card to red, sending Simons off and reducing Spurs to 10 men. Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank fumed at the decision in his post-match press conference, saying the "game is gone", while Arne Slot didn't think Simons made a malicious attempt to hurt Van Dijk and injure him.

Now, ex-Everton and Tottenham forward Lineker has shared his view on the red card. "I'm going to have a little bit of a rant myself here. I know in slow motion you can pick it apart, his [Xavi Simons] studs may have caught the back of his [Virgil van Dijk] calf, but the fella is just trying to put his foot on the ground," he told the Rest Is Football.

"I mean there's absolutely zero intent. I mean yes, Virg might have got hurt, that happens in football, it happens all the time, doesn't mean to say it's a vicious foul. I just can't stand red cards for things like that, it was nothing. It's another one of those that looks in slow motion, you go 'ooh, blimey, he's raked down the back of his calf'.

"In normal speed it wasn't that, it's not like that at all. It’s not like that at all. And I know they all thought it was a red card and you two may think it's a red card, and I understand now that when they look at things, they might go and break it down so slowly, but when you see it in normal speed, it's just his foot landing, he flicks him.

"It's nothing, it's absolutely nothing."

Alan Shearer added: "It's totally accidental, totally accidental, yeah." Lineker continued: "Yellow card would've sufficed."

Simons, meanwhile, apologised after the game. He said on social media: "Mistakes happen. Virg is my captain, I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone.

"To my Spurs teammates, my manager and the fans, I take responsibility. I'm really sorry."

Van Dijk then chipped in with his verdict and said: "I don't think there was any intention to hurt me but obviously he hurt me and then the referee and the VAR made the decision to send him off.

"I spoke to him. It's a chat that no-one needs to know."

Liverpool beat Spurs 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening to move up to sixth in the Premier League table

Liverpool continued their ascent up the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening. The win was crafted by Liverpool's summer signings, with Alexander Isak putting the Reds ahead in the second half after an expertly weighted pass from the impressive Florian Wirtz.

Fellow newcomer Jeremie Frimpong delivered a deflected cross in the second half that Hugo Ekitike met with a looping header to double the lead. Former Everton star Richarlison reduced the arrears for Spurs late on, but Liverpool held on for their ninth win of the campaign.

However, while the Reds can rejoice in a six-game unbeaten streak following a poor run of form that derailed their Premier League title bid, the night was overshadowed by an injury to Isak. The match was also marked by a series of contentious incidents, including two red cards for Spurs.

Isak landed awkwardly after his shot put Arne Slot's team in front in the match, and hobbled off after receiving treatment on the pitch. The ECHO now examines the latest news from Anfield, with events at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under scrutiny.

Ekitike handed challenge

French star Ekitike has been told he will need to step up in the coming weeks following the injury suffered by Isak in the Premier League triumph over Tottenham.

The 23-year-old netted his 11th goal across all competitions for Liverpool with his second-half header against Thomas Frank's side. The former Eintracht Frankfurt man appears well-positioned to lead Liverpool's attack, having found the net five times in his last three Premier League outings.

Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day following the match, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given acknowledged that losing Isak for any period would be a devastating setback for Liverpool, particularly with Mo Salah currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

"It's a big loss if Isak has gone off injured again," Given said. "He's had a stop-start campaign so far. But, Ekitike looks the real deal, doesn't he?"

"A brilliant striker, and he'll have to step up. Obviously, Mo Salah has left as well to go to the Africa Cup of Nations. Ekitike will have to stay fit as well because it's a big loss if Isak is out for a number of weeks now as well."

The Reds now face a nervous wait to establish the severity of Isak's injury, with the club fearing that the Swede has suffered a 'significant' problem ahead of an MRI scan on Monday.

While the duration of Isak's potential absence remains uncertain, Slot did provide a brief update after the match, acknowledging it's never a positive sign when a player cannot carry on, particularly after finding the back of the net. "We'll have to wait and see," he said. He continued: "But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to come back on the pitch, that's usually not a good thing."

Ex-Premier League star slams Tottenham behaviour

Spurs' indiscipline has come under fire from former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Tottenham ended the Liverpool match with only nine players on the field.

Xavi Simons received a red card in the opening half, after a VAR review, for a tackle on his fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk. Christian Romero was also sent off following a second yellow card later in the match.

Richarlison also seemed to grab Ekitike by the neck after finding the net and subsequently confronted Dominik Szoboszlai. A clash between the Brazilian and Frimpong resulted in the Dutch wing-back departing the pitch with a bloodied lip.

Rodrigo Bentancur also committed a heavy foul on Milos Kerkez. Hart reckons Spurs' loss of composure ultimately enabled Liverpool to secure the result, despite Frank's team clawing their way back into the contest late on through Richarlison's strike.

Speaking on Match of the Day, the former England shot-stopper said: "They just totally lost control, and for me this is the worst, I really don't like this." He continued: "Bentancur's absolutely cheap shot on Kerkez, he's hit him really hard there, fellow professional, no need for that."

Ekitike later commented on the unsavoury incident, saying: "It was very physical today. There were a lot of duels, but sometimes, it was bad. That wasn't football."

Latest Liverpool transfer news as Antoine Semenyo saga could become a lot more important in the wake of Alexander Isak's injury scare

Liverpool have been left to fear the extent of Alexander Isak's injury suffered during Saturday's 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur. However, the January transfer window rolls around with opportune timing should the Reds find themselves down another attacker this winter.

Isak was forced off as he took the brunt of a Micky van de Ven tackle when unleashing his goalscoring shot to open Liverpool's account at Spurs. He is set to undergo an MRI scan on Monday that will reveal the full extent of the problem.

A lengthy injury for the striker would mean he is the third Reds attacker out of action as things stand, with Mohamed Salah away representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo also injured.

The answer could prove to be a £65m splash in the transfer market this coming January. At present, Liverpool are one of several clubs linked with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

That sum is believed to be the 25-year-old's release clause, though it has a swift expiry in the new year meaning suitors must act quickly.

According to The Guardian, the Reds are vying with major rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but may have an advantage with Anfield hinted as Semenyo's favoured destination.

It is explained how Semenyo - who has played primarily on the right flank for his current club under Andoni Iraola - is Arne Slot's solution for a long-term Salah successor.

But Gakpo's absence could create an opening on the left, meanwhile Semenyo has recently expressed his desire to feature centrally in attack - a possibility if Isak is out of action.

"I'm destined to be a No.9," the Ghanaian told AwayDays on YouTube. "Andoni, gaffer, play me as a nine - that's all I'm gonna say."

For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @‌LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.

We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.

Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.

Milos Kerkez believes he is starting to develop an understanding with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz at Liverpool

Milos Kerkez believes the change in system from Arne Slot is allowing him to build a relationship with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz at Liverpool.

Slot's team had lost nine of 12 games across all competitions between late September and November before the Reds were able to gain some stability with a run that now sees them unbeaten in six.

Kerkez, a £40m signing from Bournemouth, has started four of the last five in the Premier League with Wirtz ahead of him down the left side and both have found form in recent weeks, with the Reds now up to fifth after Saturday's 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.

Hungary defender Kerkez believes he is starting to develop and an understanding with £116m playmaker Wirtz, who moved to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in June.

“It wasn't really hard [settling in]," Kerkez told BBC Radio 5Live. "All the guys have helped me a lot. They’ve pushed me.

"The last few weeks have been better because we’ve had more time to gel in and get to know each other. At the moment, there’s a good connection between me and Flo (Wirtz). We’re playing good and I hope it keeps going. “I like [the change in shape] because I have more freedom with Flo. We are moving, passing and playing a lot of one-twos. I felt like I was in the opposition box a lot more and crossing. Also defending is my first job so it’s getting better and I’m happy about it. “It was a tough period for everyone. We spoke with each other and had talks and after that, we started to fly more. We just have to trust and push each other and show mentality. Like I say, if you play for Liverpool you need to win games."

On Saturday's victory over Spurs, Kerkez added: “Trust me, I don’t really know [why the control disappeared late on].

"I just tried to focus. It was really tough because everyone was in the box and there were lots of high balls, second balls, third balls.

"We should have cleared it better and got higher up the pitch but it is what it is. Three points. It’s important to collect points and get back to basics. We’re Liverpool, we need to win games."

Latest Liverpool injury news as worrying updates emerge concerning Alexander Isak following win at Tottenham Hostpur

Liverpool 'fear' Alexander Isak has suffered a significant injury during Saturday's 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur, say multiple reports. The striker was forced off after an awkward challenge by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven as he opened the scoring in north London.

Isak scored just his second Premier League goal since joining the Reds when he was hacked down by Van de Ven in Tottenham's penalty area. The £125m summer recruit made his way off the pitch with the help of Liverpool medical staff - just 15 minutes after entering the action as a half-time substitute.

Now it is said Liverpool having been left to fear their No.9 has taken significant damage, the Press Association understands, along with multiple supporting reports.

It is explained Isak has yet to undergo an MRI scan which will reveal the full extent of the injury, but the club are concerned at the extent of the damage to the the 26-year-old's lower leg.

Isak's season has already been impacted by injury as he arrived on Merseyside from Newcastle United nursing a knee issue, then in October missed five matches with a groin problem. A lengthy lay-off now would not have been on Arne Slot's Christmas wishlist, just as his new signing was starting to settle.

It would further accentuate Liverpool's problems in attacking depth as Mohamed Salah could miss over a month's worth of action whilst representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, meanwhile Cody Gakpo is also currently sidelined with injury.

The only solace for Slot is another of his summer signings, Hugo Ekitike, scored his fifth goal in his last three Premier League appearances against Spurs.

Answering on Isak after the final whistle, Slot had said: "I don’t have any news on him. But if a player scores and then gets injured, and doesn’t come back on the pitch, doesn’t try to come back - which is what Conor Bradley tried to do for example but I had to take him off as well because he couldn’t go on.

"But if a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing. But I cannot say anything more than that, it is just a gut feeling.

"Nothing medical to say about it. I haven’t spoken to him about it yet.

"It’s a good thing that he scored. That is what we would like to see happening a lot. Good finish, good pass. A good goal assisted by Florian Wirtz.

"I said last week already that players are getting better, our team is getting better. Wasn’t perfect today, especially not in the last 10 minutes but in the meantime we pick up points and I see the team developing in a way I want to see.

"Let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet (how serious the injuries might be). Let’s hope he is back with us soon. Difficult to say to you now."

For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @‌LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.

We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.

Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.

Alexander Isak suffered an injury to his lower left leg when scoring at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday

Liverpool fear Alexander Isak has suffered a significant lower leg injury as they await the results of an MRI scan on Monday. The Sweden international picked up the problem when he was caught by Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van den Ven when opening the scoring in Saturday's 2-1 win in North London.

Isak, who had only been on the pitch for 11 minutes as a second-half substitute, was immediately withdrawn for Jeremie Frimpong and was helped off the pitch by Dr Jonathan Power and Chris Morgan, two members of the club's medical team.

Liverpool are now awaiting the results of a further MRI scan on Monday but are braced for Isak to have sustained significant damage to his lower leg. The club are unwilling to speculate further on the severity of the £125m striker's issue and no timescale has yet been placed on his absence.

Arne Slot is due to speak to the media on Tuesday for the visit from rock-bottom Wolves on December 27 and the head coach will be better placed to offer a more fulsome update on the injury to his No.9, who registered his third goal for the club with the strike against Spurs.

Speaking immediately after the 2-1 win on Saturday, Slot conceded he was not in a position to offer much of an update so soon after the game, admitting: "I don't have any news on him but if a player scores, gets injured and doesn't come back on the pitch or doesn't try to come back, which Conor Bradley, for example did but I had to take him off and couldn't come on.

"But if a player doesn't try to come back it is usually not a good thing but I cannot say anything more than that. That is just a gut feeling and nothing more than that, nothing medical to say about it.

"I haven't spoken to him about it yet but it's a good thing he scored, a good goal assisted by Florian Wirtz. I said players are getting better, the team is getting better. It wasn't perfect today, especially the last 10 minutes but we pick up points and are developing in a way I want to see."

Isak, who only joined the club on September 1 after a protracted and acrimonious move from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, has already been sidelined for a month with a groin issue picked up in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.

Also speaking immediately after the game on Saturday, captain Virgil van Dijk said: "Injuries unfortunately are part of football and hopefully with Alex it's not too bad.

"He scored a great goal. It's too soon after the game to know (the extent of it). He will need to be assessed. Hopefully the injuries won't be too bad. We all saw how bad it looked with Alex but hopefully it won't be too bad."