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Tottenham vs Liverpool: How did Jurgen Klopp do in his first game?

The German coach will be happy with a useful point from his Premier League bow

Saturday 17 October 2015 15:07 BST

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (Getty Images)

All eyes were on Jurgen Klopp as the German took charge of Liverpool for the first time, with the Reds holding Tottenham to a goalless draw at White Hart Lane in the lunchtime Premier League kick-off.

How did the former Borussia Dortmund coach fare?

TACTICS

Injuries to Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge necessitated two changes from the side that drew at Everton before the international break.

While predecessor Brendan Rodgers opted to use Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno as wing-backs in a 3-4-1-2 formation in recent weeks, Klopp opted for a more traditional 4-2-3-1 shape.

Emre Can partnered Lucas Leiva in defensive midfield and James Milner, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho played behind lone striker Divock Origi.

TOUCHLINE DEMEANOUR

Klopp arrived at Anfield with a charismatic reputation earned at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, and there are signs that the 48-year-old was living and breathing every passage of play.

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was applauded for a couple of crucial saves in the first half, although he appeared less than impressed with Jordon Ibe's sluggishness in getting ready to come on as a substitute when the game entered its closing stages.

TEMPO

There were signs of Liverpool already attempting to implement Klopp's characteristic 'gegenpressing' - pressurising an opponent in numbers as soon as possession is lost - throughout the match.

While the visitors saw plenty of the ball, they were lucky not to go in a goal down at half-time and Harry Kane missed a gilt-edged chance towards the end to ensure Klopp's reign did not get off to the worst start.

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TOTTENHAM: Hugo Lloris: 6 out of 10

Did not have many saves to make but difficult to criticise. Kicked well and provided a safe pair of hands when called upon.

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Kyle Walker: 6 out of 10

A typically hit and miss display from the full back. Sloppy in possession on occasion but also in key defensive positions on others.

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Toby Alderweireld: 6 out of 10

Coped well under intense pressure when in possession but was unsure of himself when Origi attacked with pace.

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Jan Vertonghen: 6 out of 10

Calm and composed in possession, the Belgian marshalled his back line well and ensured that Spurs were not overrun.

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Danny Rose: 7 out of 10

Had the look of a man determined to cement his place in the side. Excellent delivery into the area and caused Milner plenty of problems.

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Mousa Dembele: 6 out of 10

The absence of Eric Dier was felt yet while Dembele did not look wholly at home in his central role he was not entirely out of his depth.

PA Wire

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Dele Alli: 7 out of 10

Continues to impress. Nothing seems to faze the newly capped England international.

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Erik Lamela: 7 out of 10

Boundless energy was combined with a real grit by the Argentine. He was never shy to get stuck in and embodies Pochettino's high pressing system.

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Christian Eriksen: 7 out of 10

An excellent display, the Dane's vision in the final third is exemplary. Can find Kane's run like no-one else in Tottenham's side.

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Nacer Chadli: N/A

Withdrawn early on through injury.

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Harry Kane: 6 out of 10

Isolated at times, but relished the battle with Liverpool's central defenders. Could have made more of the few sights of goal that he had.

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LIVERPOOL: Simon Mignolet: 6 out of 10

A hit and miss display from the goalkeeper. Careless kicking contrasted with fine reflex saves. If he could iron out such inconsistencies he would be a fine goalkeeper.

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Nathaniel Clyne: 5 out of 10

Struggled to cope with N'Jie's footwork at times but was not entirely overrun by his opposite number. Held his own.

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Martin Skrtel: 6 out of 10

Caught out on a couple of occasions but made sure Kane could not get a foothold in the game. Fought for every ball like it was the last.

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Mamadou Sakho: 7 out of 10

Constantly in the right place a the right time, the Frenchman made a series of crucial blocks. Passed well.

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Alberto Moreno: 5 out of 10

Can neglect his defensive duties when he gets caught up in an attack. Needs to have more composure in his own third.

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Emre Can: 7 out of 10

Very fired up early on, Can relished his midfield role and his high energy pressing will have him endeared him to countryman Klopp.

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Lucas Leiva: 5 out of 10

The Brazilian will struggle to command a place in the side once everyone is fit.

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James Milner: 5 out of 10

In the wars for most of the game, Milner was treated to some rough treatment but also dished out a bit of his own.

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Philippe Coutinho: 6 out of 10

The onus was on the Brazilian to create and he drifted across the front line into some encouraging positions but did not provide the moment of magic that he is commonly associated with.

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Adam Lallana: 6 out of 10

Fortunate that his error did not gift Spurs a goal in the first half. Although guilty of errors in possession he threatened in the final third but could not find a breakthrough.

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Divock Origi: 6 out of 10

The striker was full of running but looked short of confidence. His pace troubled Spurs but his finishing did not. Unfortunate to hit the bar from close range.

SUBSTITUTIONS

You cannot accuse Klopp of not giving his starting XI a chance to make an impression, choosing not to make a change until the final 10 minutes.

Lallana earned a bear hug from Klopp as he made way for Joe Allen, making his 100th Liverpool appearance, while Ibe was given an ear-bashing before replacing Coutinho - although neither player had much time to make their mark.

OVERALL IMPRESSION

Liverpool defended stoutly enough to thwart Kane et al, but the Reds will feel the luckier of the two teams, having faded after a bright start.

The absence of Ings, Sturridge and Christian Benteke to injury dented the Reds' hopes of goals before the match had even got under way, leaving the callow Origi as the lone striker. Klopp will have taken heart from their tireless attitude but has a job on his hands if he is to restore them to former glories.

PA

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