5 key stats from Liverpool’s win at Tottenham, as Gini ends away goal drought

September 16, 2018
Henry Jackson

Saturday was an afternoon of both impressive individual and team statistics for Liverpool, who richly deserved their 2-1 win over Tottenham.

The Reds overcame their toughest challenge of the season so far, with the eventual scoreline actually very kind on a disappointing Spurs team.

Goals from Gini Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino were enough to get Jurgen Klopp‘s side over the line, despite Erik Lamela’s late consolation.

It means Liverpool still have maximum points to their name, with their quest to end the wait for a Premier League title looking better by the day.

Here are five of the best statistics from the game.

Gini Finally Scores On His Travels

Wijnaldum has been a good signing by Klopp, but one thing that had been eating away at him was a failure to score away in the Premier League.

That included his spell at Newcastle United, and as he took to the Wembley turf it was 57 matches and counting without a goal on his travels.

Liverpool’s classy Dutchman finally ended the barren spell with a well-placed header, though, with the ball just going over the line to give the visitors a deserved lead.

It rounded off an excellent all-around performance by Wijnaldum, who will feel like there is a giant weight off his shoulders.

Best Start For 28 Years

For a generation of Liverpool supporters, winning five matches in a row to start the season is something they can only dream of.

In fact, anyone born after September 16, 1990 would never have experienced it until Saturday – the only other time the Reds achieved it in the top flight was in 1978/79 – back when Man United were thumped 4-0 at Anfield.

That 1990/91 campaign looked set to be another title-winning one, but unfortunately, we all know that the holy grail has evaded Liverpool from then on.

But is that about to change?

Their start couldn’t have been any better this time around, especially considering Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Tottenham are three genuinely tough away fixtures.

Last season, it took until October 28 to reach 15 points.

Another Gomez Masterclass

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are forming an outstanding centre-back partnership for Liverpool and they were again formidable against Spurs.

Gomez had a wobble early in the second-half, but other than that the youngster was faultless, as his post-match statistics highlight.

Joe Gomez is literally going from strength to strength at centre-back. Great positional awareness; clever at sensing danger; underrated pace (in my opinion) and good strength.

Long may it continue….
pic.twitter.com/gC3qmnYG8d

— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) September 15, 2018

The 21-year-old made nine ball recoveries, three tackles, one block and won all three of his aerial duels, as well as making a trio of clearances.

One inch-perfect challenge on the dangerous Lucas Moura outlined a player at the top of his game.

Milner’s Brilliance Continues

James Milner continues to defy the ageing process after a great start to 2018/19 and the 32-year-old was exceptional in Saturday’s victory.

While Naby Keita was the more eye-catching figure and Wijnaldum’s goal earned him headlines, it was Milner who comfortably shone brightest in the midfield.

The veteran enjoyed eight ball recoveries, won five tackles and produced three key passes, showing what a presence he is in the middle of the park these days.

Milner and Wayne Rooney are the same age, and emerged at exactly the same time 16 years ago – just look at where they are in their respective careers.