There is a time to embrace chaos. There is a time to take caution and throw it to the wind. There is a time to try and score a second soon after your first. But maybe when a goal up after just two minutes, on the greatest stage in European football and with its greatest prize on offer, the time was not right. That, it seemed, was the calculation by the new champions of Europe.

Andy Robertson spots Mohamed Salah breaking down the touchline. The pass is rushed and inaccurate. The danger is cleared. Later, Jordan Henderson wants to attack but has no runners in front of him. His answer is to play a headed through ball to himself. It fails. It is much the same story when Trent Alexander-Arnold has the opportunity to launch a break after Dele’s miscued header at the far post. He hits the ball long, surrendering possession.

Clearly, this would not be a re-run of the semi-final second leg against Barcelona, when Lionel Messi and team-mates succumbed to the most unrelenting, merciless and quite simply the best performance Jurgen Klopp’s players have ever delivered for their manager. No, this was nothing of the sort. In fact, Liverpool have rarely looked as disjointed.

But they were not alone. Whether because the temperatures circling around 30°C at dusk, or the three-week interval between this Champions League final and the end of the Premier League season, or simply the weight of the occasion, Tottenham Hotspur struggled just as much, and not only because they conceded Salah’s penalty. This was a poor game. The first half, particularly so.

At one point during those opening 45 minutes, this final had the lowest pass completion rate of any Champions League game this season. Tottenham contributed much to that, misplacing simple passes, but they were not the worst culprits. Liverpool went in at half time having completed just 69 per cent of theirs, the lowest rate in any of their first halves since the start of the campaign.

Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Show all 100 1 /100 Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The story of Liverpool's Champions League victory Getty Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The ultimate prize in European football sits pitchside before kick-off AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool fans before kick-off EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Tottenham supporters makes themselves heard AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Steven Gerrard on punditry duty REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mohamed Salah warms up on the pitch AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Kane is a surprise inclusion from the start, having not played since the quarter-finals nearly two months ago Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Spurs players limber up ahead of the game Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Spurs fans begin to fill their end of the stadium Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool fans in full voice at the other end EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The pre-match show lights up the Madrid evening PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Imagine Dragons take centre stage Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The players emerge for kick-off Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final A minute's applause for the former Arsenal footballer Jose Antonio Reyes, who died on Friday in a road traffic accident AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Spurs players embrace each other one last time AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool get the game under way... REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final ... and 26 seconds later, they have a penalty when Moussa Sissoko is adjudged to have handled the ball REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Referee Damir Skomina checks with VAR but the decision stands Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final epa07618794 Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after Liverpool have been awarded a penalty during the UEFA Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 01 June 2019. EPA/Emilio Naranjo Emilio Naranjo EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mohamed Salah steps up for Liverpool Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores the opening goalduring the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) Matthias Hangst Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah looks on during the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images GABRIEL BOUYS AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores the opening goal past Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) David Ramos Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Egyptian drives the ball down the middle as Hugo Lloris dives to his left Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Salah celebrates opening the scoring with the second fastest goal in Champions League final history EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images GABRIEL BOUYS AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mauricio Pochettino's side have it all to do REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Kane takes a clattering from Joel Matip EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Kane is down, but he recovers quickly Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final A pitch invader briefly halts the action Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Virgil van Dijk directs the Liverpool defence PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Toby Alderweireld battles with Salah as the game ambles towards half-time Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The sun sets on the Wanda Metropolitano Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Half-time: Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool fans enjoyed the first half Liverpool FC via Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final A smiling Jurgen Klopp looks on from the touchline Liverpool FC via Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Kane looks a little frustrated after struggling to make an impact PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Son Heung-min and Trend Alexander-Arnold fight for the ball at the start of the second half REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mohamed Salah looks to the sky EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Roberto Firmino and Jan Vertonghen vie for the ball PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Kane and Joel Matip tussle REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The match from above Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Liverpool forwards in discussion, as they struggle to make any headway since the early goal EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Tottenham fans try to lift their team Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mo Salah in full flow REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final James Milner replaces Georginio Wijnaldum REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Winks shakes hands with his manager after being replaced by Lucas Moura Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Trent Alexander-Arnold controls with his chest Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Alisson claws the ball away from his area as the Spurs pressure builds EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Tottenham fans watch on anxiously as the clock ticks down Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Divock Origi shoots into the far corner REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool Divock Origi scores his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final at the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 1, 2019. See PA story SOCCER Final. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only in permitted publications not devoted to any team, player or match. No commercial use. Stills use only - no video simulation. No commercial association without UEFA permission. please contact PA Images for further information. Joe Giddens PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Divock Origi of Liverpool scores his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) David Ramos Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final And spins away to celebrate Liverpool's second goal Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Origi celebrates in front of elated Liverpool fans AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Hugo Lloris reacts after Origi's strike REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Alisson points to the sky REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Liverpool bunch erupts REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool forward Divock Origi celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Armando Franca AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring second goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach KAI PFAFFENBACH REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool players mob Origi REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Divock Origi celebrates with his fans and teammates after scoring his sides second goal during the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Francisco Seco AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool's Divock Origi celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach KAI PFAFFENBACH REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Full-time: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Tottenham players react at the final whistle REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool celebrate their triumph REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp shake hands AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final epa07618973 Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino (R) congratulates Liverpool head coach Juergen Klopp (facing) after the UEFA Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 01 June 2019. Liverpool won 2-0. EPA/Emilio Naranjo Emilio Naranjo EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final The Liverpool plans react at the end of the game AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates at the final whistle after the UEFA Champions League Final at the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday June 1, 2019. See PA story SOCCER Final. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only in permitted publications not devoted to any team, player or match. No commercial use. Stills use only - no video simulation. No commercial association without UEFA permission. please contact PA Images for further information. Peter Byrne PA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Jubilation for Liverpool the pitch REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Harry Kane looks dejected after the result Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Trent Alexander-Arnold lets out a roar Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with Jordan Henderson after winning the Champions League REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach KAI PFAFFENBACH REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Tottenham's Harry Kane walks past the trophy after losing the Champions League Final REUTERS/Carl Recine CARL RECINE REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Jordan Henderson raises the Champions League trophy REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool celebrate with the trophy after winning the champions league REUTERS/Carl Recine CARL RECINE REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's players celebrate on stage with the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP/Getty Images OSCAR DEL POZO AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final epa07619054 Liverpool players celebrate with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 01 June 2019. EPA/Rodrigo Jimenez Rodrigo Jimenez EPA Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League Final REUTERS/Carl Recine CARL RECINE REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images JAVIER SORIANO AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool's Alberto Moreno celebrates with the trophy and team mates after winning the Champions League REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach KAI PFAFFENBACH REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Spanish defender Alberto Moreno raises the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images JAVIER SORIANO AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp Manager of Liverpool raised high in the air by the liverpool team during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) John Powell Liverpool FC via Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp is thrown into the air by player after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Emilio Morenatti AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur is consoled by fans following the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) Tottenham Hotspur FC Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur looks towards the fans following the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) Tottenham Hotspur FC Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool's Mohamed Salah smiles after Liverpool won the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) Bernat Armangue AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Soccer Football - Champions League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - June 1, 2019 Liverpool's Dejan Lovren cuts the net of a goal as he celebrates after winning the Champions League REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach KAI PFAFFENBACH REUTERS Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: James Milner of Liverpool celebrates with the Champions League Trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Clive Rose Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold holds the trophy as he celebrates after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Armando Franca AP Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final Alberto Moreno lifts the trophy wearing a t-shirt dedicated to Jose Antonio Reyes AFP/Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after winning the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) David Ramos Getty Images Best photos from the Champions League final: Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool Champions League final MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans as he walks off dejected following the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. 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This all-Premier League final harked back to the days when the word ‘English’ was a derogatory term in football circles on these parts of the continent. It had all the incoherence, short-sightedness and the broken, percussive rhythm associated with the game of old, but little of the intelligence and incision that Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino have helped to introduce.

Liverpool celebrate upon the full-time whistle (Reuters)

Tottenham, in fairness, were trying. But Liverpool appeared to take a calculated decision to have what they hold. It did not seem to be Klopp’s call. He regularly gesticulated to his players, demanding greater urgency, pulling Henderson over to relay those instructions. But Liverpool struggled still, failing to exert their usual influence. Tottenham were not hurting them at least, but they would come close.

Son Heung-min was Tottenham’s only consistently composed player and stung Alisson’s palms from range deep into the second half. He was presented with a far greater chance when Lucas Moura’s shot bounced into the ground and rose at the far post. It was difficult to divert underneath the crossbar. Son could only head over.

Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Show all 23 1 /23 Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings <b>Tottenham:</b> Hugo Lloris - 7 His hesitation allowed Salah to score Liverpool’s first but he more than made up for it in the second half with a stupendous save from Coutinho. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Davinson Sanchez - 7 Has slotted into the centre of Tottenham’s defence with ease. Exudes class. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Toby Alderweireld - 7 Not overly troubled too often but maintained a high level throughout. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Jan Vertonghen - 7 Unlucky not to score Tottenham’s fourth after his shot was blocked on the line but can probably claim an assist after Kane tucked home the rebound. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Kieran Trippier - 7 Helped kick things off for Spurs with the assist for Kane’s early opener. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Harry Winks - 7 Understatedly good. Keeps things ticking over in the middle of the park and allows others to grab the headlines. Could be the long-term answer to England’s deep-lying midfield problems. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Christian Eriksen - 7 Outshone Coutinho in a battle of two of the Premier League’s best playmakers. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Serge Aurier - 8 Deployed at left wing-back to match Mo Salah’s pace and marshalled him well. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Dele Alli - 8 Yet to hit the heights of last season but was superb in a slightly deeper role today and scored Spurs’ third. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Son Hueng-min - 7 Always runs himself into the ground. Scored Spurs’ second and almost had a third minutes later when his well-struck effort cannoned off the crossbar from a tight angle. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Harry Kane - 9 Scored two and assisted another. He’s frighteningly good. Does anybody still think he’s not world class? Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings <b>Liverpool:</b> Simon Mignolet - 4 Might’ve done better for Kane’s opener and was fully at fault for his second after flapping at a cross. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Joe Gomez - 5 Was asked to fill in at centre-back for the last hour of the match. Wasn’t great but wasn’t solely responsible for any of Liverpool’s goals, unlike some of his teammates. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Joel Matip - 4 Suicidal defensive header allowed Alli to score Spurs’ third goal in first-half injury time. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Dejan Lovren - 1 One of the worst individual performances you’re ever likely to see. At fault for Spurs’ two early goals and hooked – without an injury – after half an hour. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Alberto Moreno - 5 He’s one of the few improved players in Liverpool’s defence this season. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Emre Can - 4 A poor day at the office for Can after a good start to the season. He was subbed late on just minutes after Alli had nut-megged him with a sublime piece of skill. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Jordan Henderson - 6 Liverpool’s best midfielder on the day and his pass for Salah’s goal was fantastic. As always, you can’t fault his work rate. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings James Milner - 5 Couldn’t deal with Son’s pace for Spurs’ second goal. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Philippe Coutinho - 5 He was quiet on a day when Liverpool could’ve done with a moment of magic to spark them into action. Was denied a second-half goal by a superb Lloris save. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Mohamed Salah - 6 Scored Liverpool’s only goal of the game but sometimes his one-footedness really counts against him. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Roberto Firmino - 5 Came up with a brilliant goal-line clearance but it ended up counting for nothing as Kane tucked home the rebound. Offered little at the other end of the pitch. Getty Tottenham vs Liverpool player ratings Substitutes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 5

Daniel Sturridge N/A

Marko Grujic N/A Getty

If Son’s header is a few inches lower, or if the bounce on Moura’s attempt had fallen more kindly, perhaps Liverpool’s gamble would have failed. Perhaps questions are asked as to why they lacked their usual vibrancy in attack. Maybe the glare falls on a midfield that often came off second-best in its battle for supremacy.