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The pendulum has swung back towards Merseyside after an enthralling encounter at Anfield saw Liverpool score a last gasp winner to claim three points against Tottenham Hotspur.
It is moments such as Toby Alderweireld’s calamitous and desperately unfortunate own goal that naturally induce one thought across the psyche of the footballing world: lady luck is willing Liverpool to end their Premier League hoodoo.
To completely credit fortune for the victory would do Liverpool a major disservice, but it seemed otherworldly forces were at play as the ball somehow squirmed over Hugo Lloris’ line in the final minute of regulation time.
But the foundations of Liverpool’s victory were laid in the form of a handful of fine individual performances, most notably from Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson.
The latter provided an immaculate cross for Robert Firmino to gobble up and give the Reds the lead inside the first quarter of the game, and he continued to threaten all afternoon while simultaneously nullifying Tottenham’s endeavour to penetrate the right flank.
Robertson has established himself as a firm favourite amongst the Anfield faithful since he stepped into the first-team to replace Alberto Moreno, and that reputation seems to snowball with every passing fixture.
It was a performance which naturally drew gushing praise from the British media, so we’ve rounded up a handful of the best quotes from the weekend to summarise the Scotland international’s influence.
Phil McNulty – BBC’s Chief Football Writer
McNulty is not renowned for sensationalist superlatives or unnecessary hyperbole, so the extent of his gushing praise for Robertson speaks volumes about how highly he impressed on Sunday, via BBC.
‘At a time when Scotland’s international reputation is at a low ebb after a heavy defeat in Kazakhstan and a scrambled win in San Marino, the small consolation is that they possess a player who is a real jewel in Liverpool’s crown.
‘He was outstanding against Spurs, so good there was even a debate among experienced Liverpool watchers as to whether the modest 25-year-old is now on course to make himself one of the club’s finest left-backs.’
McNulty later went on to add: ‘Robertson is the epitome of Liverpool’s relentless optimism and self-belief, alongside the class and calm of Virgil van Dijk and those three celebrated forwards.’
As McNulty alludes to, Liverpool’s front-three often steal the limelight but there is certainly substantial evidence to suggest that it’s the defensive unit who are most deserving of the plaudits this season.
The former Hull City man has established a heroic reputation at Anfield in little more than eighteen months, and serious debate over his long-term credentials to enjoy legendary status on Merseyside is far from misplaced.
James Pearce – Liverpool Echo
The highly-respected Liverpool Echo journalist awarded Robertson an 8/10 for his performance, a rating which was only topped by Van Dijk, who was awarded a chart-topping 9/10.
Here’s what Pearce had to say about Robertson, via Liverpool Echo: ‘Made the most of the space Tottenham’s formation afforded him first half and put in a brilliant cross for the opener. Blocked a certain goal for Eriksen after the break.’
Just as Eriksen looked set to slam home into a gaping goal, the ever dependable Robertson was there to block a thundering effort that would surely have left Alisson statuesque.
Moments on which games so often hinge typically belong to Robertson.
Chris Shaw – Liverpoolfc.com
One of Liverpool’s club correspondents, Chris Shaw, was particularly eager to emphasise the brilliance of Robertson’s cross for the opening goal, via Liverpool’s official website.
It was a special ball worth mulling over and Shaw did exactly that.
‘Andy Robertson’s potential influence on the match was clear from the earliest stages as Liverpool switched possession to either flank as quickly as possible.
‘And the Scotland captain took full advantage of just such a cross-field pass to provide a sublime assist in the Reds’ opening goal for Firmino.
‘Robertson placed his delivery from the left channel in the perfect spot for his teammate to move between defenders and plant a firm header beyond Lloris.’
Intriguingly, it was also revealed that Robertson is now closing in on a Premier League record, with the full-back now just two assists short of Andy Hinchcliffe’s record of 11 (1994-95) provided by a defender.
Don’t bet against him surpassing that number in the final weeks of the campaign.
