By that time, Danny Rose had equalised for the hosts and Spurs looked as likely as their opponents to find a victor.
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“We did it really good, but we’re really flexible in offensive defending”.
To make matters even worse for Sturridge, his teammate Divock Origi was introduced into the action ahead of him and the 26-year-old saw just five minutes of action when brought on in the 87th minute.
Naturally, the perceived snub drew plenty of attention from the media in the aftermath of the game, with former Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness revealing his belief that the England worldwide had “a mountain to club” to force his way back into the starting line-up on Sky Sports after the clash. “I think we are in the same way and it was a fair result”.
However, unlike Arsenal and Burnley, who capitalised on Liverpool’s nerves in the previous games, Spurs failed to fully utilise the opportunities that came their way and truly test Simon Mignolet.
Pochettino saved particular praise for Michel Vorm – the keeper, a stand in for Higo Lloris, pulling off some excellent saves – and Eric Dier, who moved over to right back to cover for Walker.
It will now be a fortnight until Tottenham play again as they go on global break, but Pochettino said he did not expect any exhausted players to come back any more well rested.
He admitted that they “have to accept it” because equally Alderweireld’s header going in would have made it “the same game but with two goals for Tottenham” and instead chose to focus on the positives. “We showed again that we can be really good and that’s what we have to show in each game and then everything will be good”. But we showed we can be good.
Klopp has played down Sturridge’s comments over his position and insisted there is “no problem” between him and the forward.
Liverpool appeared to have doubled their lead after Spurs had been caught on the counter, but once Sadio Mane had tucked the ball home the flag went up for offside against Adam Lallana. It was a wonderful goal, brilliant play.
“I am a Liverpool player and what the manager asks me to do I will do”.
Meanwhile, Pochettino said he has “no information” on the fitness of Walker ahead of the global break, with the full-back is expected to be a part of Sam Allardyce’s first England squad.
“I think we started well”.
Spurs were dealt a blow after 27 minutes when full-back Kyle Walker picked up an injury and had to be replaced.
“It seems a long time since we played at Anfield, it has been a tough start. It wasn’t easy. We played a team that played flawless counter-attack and the draw is a fair result”.
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Spurs came out in the second half looking better, keeping more possession, but had few chances. Tottenham viewed the linesman’s flag as a lifeline, a second chance to salvage something from a match in which they had been far from their best.
