In both literal and figurative senses, Igor Tudor is no longer "useless". The Tottenham Hotspur coach finally ended the team's long defeat streak by getting an important draw against Liverpool.
Spurs' record losing streak stopped at 6 matches, with the first draw after 6 weeks. For Liverpool, not being able to defeat a team in crisis may have to pay a heavy price as they are missing the opportunity to return to the UEFA Champions League.
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai frankly admitted after the match: "We have to wake up. If we continue like this, we should be satisfied with the Conference League".
Liverpool took the lead for most of the match but conceded a goal in the last minute - a scenario that has been repeated too many times this season. Richardson continues to become a "monster" at Anfield as this is the fifth time he has scored on Liverpool's field.
Meanwhile, Tottenham under Tudor had their best performance since the Croatian strategist took over the team.
We can say that this result is deserved. The players showed great fighting spirit" - Tudor commented.
Spurs launched 7 shots on target and played with rare confidence, completely unlike a team struggling in the relegation race. After a heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Tottenham this time showed a completely different face. Tudor also did not make serious tactical mistakes as before.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario - who was recalled to the squad - made a mistake when he could not block Szoboszlai's free kick, but then played stably and made many important saves. On the bench, Antonin Kinsky was also ready to come on if necessary. But Tudor's decisive change was in the attack.
He brought Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani onto the field, and it was the French striker who surpassed Virgil van Dijk before assisting Richarlison to score the equalizer.
For Richarlison, this goal came after many missed opportunities. Before that, he had three clear chances - two headers and one shot blocked - before finally putting the ball into the net.
In the opposite direction, Liverpool once again had to pay the price for not being able to finish the match. "Of course that is harmful. Fans have the right to be disappointed" - the Dutch captain said.
Part of the reason comes from controversial personnel decisions. Slot let Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate sit on the bench, while Mohamed Salah did not start after a poor performance against Galatasaray.
Liverpool's attack therefore became less sharp. Although Cody Gakpo shot against the post and young talent Rio Ngumoha impressed, the home team still lacked creativity and finishing ability.
Liverpool's rare bright spot continues to be Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder is having an excellent season with goals from free kicks. In Premier League history, only David Beckham and Laurent Robert have scored more goals from free kicks than him in a season. But one goal is not enough.
Liverpool conceded once again in the last minute - an issue that caused them to lose a lot of points this season. While The Kop is immersed in disappointment, Tottenham is enjoying a rare joy. After a series of poor performances, Tudor finally got his first point since taking over the team.
I have never thought about my future for even a second. The future is just imagination" - Tudor said. However, after the draw at Anfield, his future at Tottenham has at least become brighter.
