Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the hosts finishing the match with just nine players on the pitch.
Second-half strikes from substitutes Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike proved decisive for Arne Slot's side, who extended their unbeaten streak to six matches across all competitions.
The result piles further pressure on Spurs manager Thomas Frank, whose team struggled to cope after being reduced to ten men midway through the first half.
Despite a nervy conclusion following Richarlison's late reply, the Reds held on to claim all three points in north London.
Hugo Ekitike scored his fifth Premier League goal in three matches
|REUTERS
The turning point arrived in the 33rd minute when Xavi Simons was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch midfielder caught the Liverpool captain's calf with his studs while closing him down, initially receiving only a yellow card from referee John Brooks.
However, VAR intervened and sent Brooks to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision: "After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card."
Xavi Simons was sent off after a studs-up challenge on Virgil van Dijk
|REUTERS
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville offered a blunt assessment: "Malicious, nasty, reckless? Whatever you want to call it. Stupidity."
The match burst into life after the interval when Isak entered the fray as a half-time substitute.
A defensive error from Cristian Romero presented Liverpool with an opportunity, and Florian Wirtz threaded a pass to the Swedish striker, who fired home despite being clattered by Micky van de Ven.
The goal came at a cost, however, as Isak picked up an injury in the collision and had to be withdrawn shortly after scoring.
Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the second period when Ekitike met Jeremie Frimpong's delivery, rising above Romero to power a header into the net via the crossbar.
Tottenham briefly threatened a comeback when Richarlison, having come off the bench, capitalised on a Van Dijk mishap in the 83rd minute.
"What is he doing?!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2025
Cristian Romero is sent off in stoppage time! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/Lketwxa46b
The Liverpool captain completely missed his attempt to clear the ball, allowing the Brazilian forward to sweep a loose ball into the bottom corner.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser, with Alisson required to deny Pedro Porro on several occasions.
Their task became impossible in stoppage time when Romero received a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate.
Richarlison's late goal gave Liverpool problems
|REUTERS
The defeat leaves Spurs languishing in 13th place, having managed just one victory in their previous eight league fixtures.