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| Van der Vaart scored Tottenham's first. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images |
Liverpool's final home game of the season ended in a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham that had its fair share of controversy surrounding, none other than, Howard Webb.
Tottenham's first victory at Anfield since 1993 takes them one point above Liverpool into fifth place and they now hold the ace to qualify for the Europa League. With one game remaining in this season, Spurs look to be favorites to seal the final European place next weekend against Birmingham City while Liverpool play at Aston Villa, who beat Arsenal 2-1 today at the Emirates.
Liverpool started the match slowly and it was Tottenham who gained a foothold in the game. A ninth minute corner provided Van der Vaart with his opportunity when the corner was cleared to the edge of the box and his strike, took a small deflection off Glen Johnson as it, sailed over the head of Pepe Reina. The goal happened to be Van der Vaart's 13th league goal in what has been an impressive first season for the attacking midfielder.
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| Howard Webb awards a controversial penalty |
Liverpool began to put Tottenham under pressure as the second half came to a close but they never had any clear cut opportunity. To be fair, Tottenham defended well and looked very solid at the back.
However, the game didn't end without controversy as Howard Webb has come under heavy scrutiny after his decision to award a very soft penalty in the 55th minute to Tottenham. John Flanagan appeared to make contact with Steven Piennar outside the box as they collided shoulder to shoulder. Momentum was probably Flanagan's second worst enemy in the situation, Webb being number one, as it made the challenge look a bit worse than it was. Luka Modric made no mistake from the spot though as he took the penalty well to give Spurs a 2-0 lead.
In the end Tottenham deserved their win. Liverpool didn't play any where near what was expected and they never really created any substantial chances. Tottenham was able to soak up any pressure Liverpool created and managed to shut down the dangerous Luis Suarez.
Dalglish accepted Tottenham was the better team and they deserved their victory,
"They probably played better than us on the day," Dalglish, who signed a three-year deal to remain as manager earlier this week, told
Sky Sports.
"I don't think Pepe (Reina) had too many saves to make, but then we never did enough at the other end either to make it decisive for us"
He also disagreed with Webb's penalty decision, as has many, but didn't elaborate on what he told
Sky Sports,
"It wasn't even a foul so it doesn't matter if it was inside or outside the area, but for me maybe it's best to do a Moyesy and not come out to do a press conference."
In other news around football, West Ham have been relegated after blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Wigan, who now have a life line heading into the final weekend of the season. Chelsea and Newcastle drew 2-2 at the Bridge, Fulham won 2-0 over Birmingham City and Rangers claimed the Scottish Premier League title after a 5-1 thrashing of Kilmarnock.
