Tottenham Hotspur slipped to a fifth defeat in their last eight Premier League home matches as red cards for Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero proved costly in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool.

Liverpool arrived in north London without Mohamed Salah, who remains away at the Africa Cup of Nations, forcing Arne Slot to once again adjust his attacking approach. A cautious, defensively focused setup from the visitors muted the opening exchanges, with blocked Tottenham shots and a tame Virgil van Dijk header the only moments of note early on.

Spurs did not fashion a clear chance until the 25th minute, when Djed Spence kept Pedro Porro’s deep cross alive, but Randal Kolo Muani could only head straight at Alisson.

The match swung decisively in Liverpool’s favour on the half-hour. Xavi Simons caught Van Dijk with his studs down the back of the defender’s leg. Referee John Brooks initially produced a yellow card, but after a VAR review at the pitchside monitor, he upgraded the punishment to a red.

With the extra man, Slot made a bold move at half-time, withdrawing Conor Bradley and introducing Alexander Isak to sharpen Liverpool’s attack. The change paid off within 15 minutes of the restart as Florian Wirtz slipped Isak through on goal, and the striker coolly guided his finish into the far corner.

Isak was forced off shortly after scoring following the challenge that preceded the goal, and Liverpool were almost punished just past the hour mark when Kolo Muani’s deflected effort looped over Alisson, only to strike the crossbar and bounce clear.

Misfortune struck at both ends in quick succession. Tottenham hit the woodwork at one end before Liverpool doubled their lead at the other, Hugo Ekitike rising highest to meet Jeremie Frimpong’s cross, his header clipping the post on its way in.

Thomas Frank’s introduction of João Palhinha suggested damage limitation, but Spurs found late hope when Richarlison reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area to pull one back. The Brazilian came agonisingly close to equalising moments later, only for Ibrahima Konaté to produce a crucial last-ditch block.

Liverpool endured a tense nine minutes of stoppage time, but their task was eased when Romero was sent off following an altercation with Konaté. Reduced to nine men, Tottenham were unable to mount a final push, allowing Liverpool to see out the victory and strengthen their push for the European places.