Richarlison struck in stoppage time to rescue a dramatic 1–1 draw for Tottenham at Anfield, denying Liverpool a crucial victory in their push for Champions League qualification and handing interim boss Igor Tudor his first point after five games in charge.
The Brazilian forward latched onto a clever pass from substitute Randal Kolo Muani, who held off Virgil van Dijk before sliding the ball into Richarlison’s path.
He calmly slotted past compatriot Alisson Becker, sparking wild celebrations from Tudor, who sprinted from his technical area and punched the air.
Despite the late equaliser, Tottenham remain in serious trouble near the bottom of the table, though the point was enough to lift them one place above the relegation zone.
For Liverpool, frustration echoed around Anfield at the final whistle. Boos rang out after another disappointing display from Arne Slot’s side, who have now conceded yet another late goal at a crucial stage of the season.
The hosts had taken the lead in the 18th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick. Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario got a hand to the strike but could not prevent it from crossing the line.
The Hungarian midfielder has now scored four direct free-kicks in the Premier League this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a single campaign. Only David Beckham in 2000–01 and Laurent Robert in 2001–02 have managed more in a single season.
Vicario had been recalled to the starting lineup after Igor Tudor dropped him for Tottenham’s midweek Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, where replacement Antonín Kinsky endured a disastrous outing before being substituted after just 17 minutes.
Liverpool, however, struggled to build on their early advantage. Clear chances from open play were scarce as tension grew inside Anfield, particularly after Chelsea’s defeat earlier in the weekend had offered them a chance to strengthen their position in the race for a top-four finish.
Slot made several bold selection decisions, including handing 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha his first Premier League start while leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench in favour of Jeremie Frimpong.
The move followed several underwhelming individual performances in Liverpool’s recent Champions League loss to Galatasaray.
Tottenham were also heavily depleted, missing 12 players due to injury and suspension, including their first-choice central defensive pairing. Tudor could name only seven substitutes, with just two senior outfield options among them.
Liverpool nearly doubled their lead when Ryan Gravenberch’s strike was tipped onto the post by Vicario, but Spurs stayed in the contest.
Richarlison, partnering Dominic Solanke in attack, threatened throughout the match and went close on several occasions before finally finding the breakthrough in the closing moments.
Liverpool attempted to inject energy late on with a triple substitution that introduced Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Curtis Jones, but the changes failed to spark the hosts.
Tottenham instead capitalised on Liverpool’s lethargy, grabbing a late equaliser that left the home supporters furious and raised further questions about Slot’s side during a crucial phase of the season.
