Tottenham’s Finest Hour Under Pochettino: Tottenham 4-1 Liverpool at Wembley in 2017

On October 22, 2017, Tottenham Hotspur produced one of the most memorable performances in recent Premier League history with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.

In what was a true statement victory, Spurs dominated Jürgen Klopp’s side from start to finish, with some breathtaking attacking football and clinical finishing. The match was notable not just for the scoreline, but for the way in which Tottenham dismantled one of the Premier League’s most potent attacking teams. By October 2017, Tottenham Hotspur were in the midst of a defining period under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine had taken over at Spurs in 2014 and had quickly transformed the club into one of the most exciting and well-drilled teams in the Premier League. Pochettino’s philosophy, built on high pressing, fluid attacking football, and an emphasis on youth development, had seen Spurs finish second in the league in the 2016/17 season, their highest finish in the Premier League era. 

Despite their impressive form, Tottenham’s biggest challenge was to win a title. In the 2017/18 season, Spurs were aiming to build on their strong foundation. However, they were facing some obstacles. They were playing their home games at Wembley Stadium while White Hart Lane was being rebuilt, and this was a significant factor in the club’s early struggles. Wembley had not proven to be the fortress that the old stadium had been, and Spurs had struggled to make the most of their home advantage. Still, the team was brimming with talent, with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, and Heung-Min Son leading a potent attack. 

By the time Liverpool came to Wembley in late October, Tottenham were beginning to find their rhythm, despite an uneven start to the season. Pochettino’s side had just secured an impressive 4-0 win against Huddersfield and were looking to prove that they could compete with the league’s elite. 

The First Half: A Lightning Start 

Under the iconic arch of Wembley, Spurs wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within four minutes, Harry Kane capitalized on a defensive mix-up to give Spurs an early lead. A long ball from Kieran Trippier caught Liverpool’s defense off-guard, and Kane, showing his predatory instincts, rounded Simon Mignolet to slot home. Before Liverpool could regroup, Spurs struck again. In the 12th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Kane turn provider. His cross-field ball found Son Heung-min, who darted into space and coolly finished past Mignolet. At 2-0, Liverpool looked shell-shocked, their defensive frailties brutally exposed. 

To their credit, Liverpool found a way back into the game. Salah latched onto a through ball and squeezed a shot past Hugo Lloris to make it 2-1 in the 24th minute. The goal gave Liverpool hope, and they began to dominate possession, pressing Spurs deeper into their half. However, just before halftime, Spurs delivered a hammer blow. A clever free-kick routine saw Dele Alli pounce on a loose clearance from the Liverpool defense, volleying the ball into the bottom corner. At 3-1, Spurs headed into the break firmly in control. 

The Second Half: Kane Seals the Deal 

Liverpool came out with renewed intent in the second half, but their defensive vulnerabilities remained their Achilles’ heel. In the 56th minute, Kane struck again. A corner from Eriksen caused chaos in the Liverpool box, and the striker was quickest to react, bundling the ball home to make it 4-1. 

This goal epitomized the match: Spurs clinical, Liverpool chaotic. Despite Klopp’s substitutions and tactical tweaks, Liverpool struggled to break down Spurs’ organized defense. Meanwhile, Spurs continued to threaten on the break, with Son and Kane looking dangerous every time they surged forward. The match ended 4-1, with Spurs fans jubilantly celebrating one of their team’s most complete performances in recent years. 

The Aftermath 

The result had significant implications for both teams. For Spurs, it was a statement victory that reaffirmed their status as one of the Premier League’s top sides. Though they ultimately fell short in the title race, this performance epitomized their ability to challenge the league’s elite. For Liverpool, the loss was a sliding doors moment. The defensive frailties laid bare at Wembley forced Klopp to address the team’s weaknesses. The January signing of Van Dijk, combined with the subsequent addition of Alisson Becker, transformed Liverpool into a formidable defensive unit. By the following season, Liverpool would go on to win the Champions League – defeating Spurs in the final – with their defense a cornerstone of their success. 

Also Read: Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting XI