Tottenham Hotspur travel to Anfield on Sunday carrying the weight of history, form and expectation on their weary shoulders.
Spurs have struggled in this fixture, and their latest visit comes during one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s modern era under interim manager Igor Tudor.
Matches between Liverpool and Tottenham have produced drama for decades, but the numbers show a clear dominance for the Merseyside club, especially at Anfield.
Spurs have won just one of their last 31 home league games against Liverpool (D9, L21).
Tottenham have not won a league game at Anfield since a 2–0 victory in May 2011, and the Reds are currently unbeaten in the last 14 meetings there.
Tottenham have won just one of the last 16 league meetings with the Reds (D3, L12), so fans will hope for a reversal of fortunes in this fixture, including those watching through soccer streams.
Liverpool have also won the last four clashes since Spurs’ 2–1 victory in North London in September 2023.
The fixture is historically high-scoring as well. Liverpool vs Tottenham is the Premier League’s highest-scoring fixture, with 209 goals. Spurs have scored only 82 of those.
Last season, Liverpool’s emphatic 5–1 victory over Tottenham sealed the club’s 20th English league title.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has been particularly ruthless against Tottenham, scoring 16 goals against them in all competitions, his joint-most against any opponent.
In the Premier League alone, only Alan Shearer has scored more goals against Spurs.
Tottenham’s crisis heading into the match
Tottenham arrive in dire form. Tudor has lost all four games since taking charge, and Spurs have suffered six consecutive defeats in all competitions, the worst run in the club’s history.
Their league form is even more concerning. Tottenham are the only Premier League side without a win in 2026, drawing four and losing seven matches since the start of the calendar year.
Defensive issues have been a constant this season, with Spurs conceding two or more goals in nine consecutive league matches.
However, there is an interesting statistical quirk that might encourage Tudor.
Tottenham have taken 66% of their Premier League points away from home this season, one of the highest away-point ratios in the competition’s history.
How Igor Tudor can hurt Liverpool
Despite Liverpool’s dominance in this fixture, there are tactical weaknesses Spurs could exploit.
Tudor has favoured a 3-4-2-1 system, built on aggressive wing play and quick transitions. Against Liverpool, the key battleground will likely be the wide areas.
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s full-backs push high to support attacks and overload midfield zones. While this helps maintain possession, it also leaves space behind them during defensive transitions.
Tottenham must target these areas relentlessly. If Spurs deploy wing-backs high up the pitch, they can force Liverpool’s wide defenders into uncomfortable recovery runs.
Rapid diagonal passes into the channels, especially behind the right side, where Salah and Jeremie Frimpong play high, will allow Spurs to isolate Liverpool’s centre-backs in wider spaces.
Richarlison has historically performed well against Liverpool, registering eight Premier League goal involvements against them.
His ability to run the channels and attack crosses will be vital if Spurs exploit wide areas.
Another key adjustment Tudor must make is to switch from mid-block to low-block pressing.
Liverpool have struggled when opponents defend compactly and counter quickly, particularly when forced to chase games.
Spurs should look to absorb pressure before breaking quickly through the half-spaces behind Liverpool’s advanced midfielders.
There are signs of vulnerability despite their overall dominance.
Liverpool have conceded at least twice in each of their last three league games at Anfield, and if Spurs bring their A-game, they can claim a memorable scalp.