Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a sensational 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the final league match before Christmas.
Already guaranteed to spend Christmas Day at the summit following Chelsea’s draw at Everton, Arne Slot’s side put on a dazzling display of attacking football that left Spurs reeling.
Luis Diaz was the star, scoring a brace, while Mohamed Salah added two goals and two assists. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister also got on the scoresheet in what was undoubtedly Liverpool’s best performance of the season.
Despite being overrun, Tottenham fought back with goals from James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke, but they were no match for the Reds’ firepower.
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As Liverpool’s title charge gathers momentum, here are 11 remarkable stats from the game that highlight just how dominant they were:
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold Shines Against Big Six
Trent Alexander-Arnold was instrumental in setting up Liverpool’s first goal with a beautiful pass. This contribution means that 27% of his Premier League goal involvements have come against ‘Big Six’ sides, showcasing his ability to deliver on the big stage.
2. Alexander-Arnold’s Chance Creation Mastery
The right-back created four chances against Tottenham, more than any other player on the pitch. All of them came from open play, with two being classified as “big chances.” His creativity continues to be a key asset for Liverpool.
3. Spurs’ Familiar Defensive Woes
By conceding the opening goal, Tottenham marked their 14th home match in 2024 in which they’ve allowed the first goal.
This sets a new Premier League record for the most such occurrences by a team within a calendar year, tied with Crystal Palace in 2017 and Spurs themselves in 1994.
4. Spurs’ Struggles in the Final 15 Minutes of the First Half
Tottenham have now conceded 7 goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half, one of the worst records in the league this season. Only Ipswich and Southampton (both with 8) have conceded more in this period.
5. Salah’s Historic Consistency
Mohamed Salah has now become the first player in Premier League history to score 10+ goals and provide 10+ assists in four consecutive seasons. This incredible consistency underlines his importance to Liverpool’s attacking prowess.
6. Salah Breaks Rooney’s Record
With his latest goal and assist tally, Salah has reached double digits for both goals and assists in six different Premier League seasons. He has now surpassed Wayne Rooney’s record of five such seasons, further cementing his place in Premier League history.
7. Salah’s Pre-Christmas Milestone
Salah is also the first player to achieve double figures for both goals and assists before Christmas in a single Premier League season.
▪️ 15 goals
▪️ 11 assistsMo Salah is the first player in Premier League history to reach double figures for both goals and assists before Christmas in a single season 🎯 pic.twitter.com/xUTz2hCA9a
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 22, 2024
With 32 goal contributions already, he is 10 ahead of his closest rival, Bukayo Saka.
8. Liverpool’s Historic Away Victory
Liverpool became just the second team in Premier League history to score six goals in an away match at Tottenham, joining Chelsea (6-1 winners in 1997). The Reds showed no mercy and underlined their superiority on the road.
9. Liverpool Top the Table at Christmas
This win means Liverpool will top the Premier League table on Christmas Day for the seventh time in history, having done so previously in 1996, 2008, 2013, 2018, 2019, and 2020. It’s clear they are on track for a serious title challenge.
10. Tottenham’s Goal-Fest at Home
Tottenham’s recent home matches have been goal-filled affairs. In their last three games across all competitions, 23 goals have been scored — with this 9-goal thriller against Liverpool following a six-goal contest against Chelsea and a seven-goal League Cup clash with Manchester United.
11. Liverpool’s Statement Performance
Finally, this game was a statement. Liverpool’s relentless attacking play and clinical finishing put Tottenham to the sword, with key players like Diaz, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold all making their mark. It’s hard to imagine any team being able to withstand Liverpool in this kind of form.
