Liverpool missed the chance to climb into the Premier League top four after Tottenham Hotspur salvaged a late 1-1 draw, denying the Reds a 13th victory in 17 league meetings between the sides.

After a heavy midweek defeat in the UEFA Champions League and facing mounting pressure in a surprising relegation fight, Spurs entered the match as clear underdogs.

Liverpool knew they had an opportunity to close the gap on the top four following weekend losses for both Chelsea and Aston Villa. The Reds started perfectly, taking the lead in the 18th minute through a sublime free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.

After dominating possession early, Liverpool earned a set-piece when Alexis Mac Allister was fouled by Souza. Szoboszlai stepped up from 25 yards and delivered one of his trademark free-kick goals, curling a powerful strike into the top-left corner, leaving Guglielmo Vicario with no chance despite getting a hand to the ball.

After opening the scoring, Liverpool came close to doubling their lead almost immediately. Ryan Gravenberch charged into Spurs’ box but sent his effort high over the bar. Moments later, Cody Gakpo deflected onto the post by Guglielmo Vicario struggled for much of the first half but ended the period strongly. Richarlison narrowly missed with a header before Alisson Becker made an impressive save to deny another corner effort.

Igor Tudor could take heart from his players’ fighting spirit in the opening 45 minutes, though he would have been mindful of Liverpool’s league-high tally of 59 second-half goals this season.

Rio Ngumoh came close to doubling the lead after being set up by Jeremie Frimponguscled Virgil van Dijk, only for Alisson to make another crucial save.

Arne Slot responded with a triphttp://www.fairbet.betle substitution after the 60th minute, introducing Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike to inject fresh attacking options.

The two substitutes came close to linking up for a second goal shortly after coming on, as Mohamed Salah delivered a precise pass to Hugo Ekitike, but the French forward mistimed his stretch and failed to connect. Salah continued to trouble the Spurs defence with his relentless movement, though the final ball often fell short.

As the match entered its closing stages, Liverpool’s wayward finishing kept Tottenham Hotspur alive, and they were ultimately punished in the 90th minute by their key threat, Richarlison.

The former Everton forward was set up by Randal Kolo Muani adrift of Aston Villa