TOTTENHAM found their energetic response to the Bolton debacle undermined last night by an utterly unsympathetic Liverpool side who moved level on points with Premiership leaders Arsenal.
A finely tuned finish by Michael Thomas, demonstrating the verve of his days in the other half of north London, was followed by a freak of a goal by Steve McManaman. To compound Tottenham's depression, a seemingly legitimate back header by Sol Campbell was disallowed for shoving in the 67th minute.
Gerry Francis spent Saturday at home suffering a temperature of more than 100 degrees. He became hotter under the collar after reports that he had a confrontation with his captain Teddy Sheringham after the Bolton game and that the English striker was on the verge of leaving. The manager's response yesterday: "Complete and utter rubbish."
There was one predictable absentee from his ranks, however, Darren Anderton succumbing to suspected knee ligament trouble. One compensation came with Tottenham announcing they had captured the Norwegian striker Steffen Iversen from Rosenborg for £2.7 million. He will complete this move, subject to medical, at White Hart Lane on Thursday.
The crowd soon conveyed their hunger and Tottenham responded eagerly. But it was Liverpool, establishing an attractive rhythm, early on, who made more calculating inroads. Extreme danger threatened in the sixth minute when Steve McManaman sprinted on to a deflected Allan Nielsen pass; Andy Sinton brought down the flying forward unceremoniously and was booked.
White Hart Lane held its breath as Patrik Berger, playing just behind Robbie Fowler, took the free kick and unleashed a 25 yard shot combining subtlety and power. Ian Walker saved impressively as he dived to his right.
The pattern was repeated seven minutes later, but this time deep in Liverpool territory. McManaman committed a vengeful trip on Sinton. The winger responded by curling in a free kick that was fumbled by the advancing David James and Chris Armstrong swept over a cross from the right. Liverpool's goalkeeper was grateful to see a deflection divert the ball into his hands.
Two back headers by Armstrong in as many minutes provided side. The first flew over the bar and the second saw the inrushing Sheringham just fail to connect from close range. Spurs received unexpected assistance before half time. Neil Ruddock, deep in his penalty area, dallied over a clearance before lashing the ball wildly towards Ruel Fox. The cross from the winter was met instantly by disappointingly wide.
Seconds before, an angled pass from John Barnes found Thomas timing his run perfectly as he slipped goalside of Colin Calderwood and David Howells. The midfielder completed this brisk foray by driving low and unerringly past Walker's right hand into the far corner.
Muted booing accompanied the Spurs players, among them a limping Armstrong, off the pitch. The striker did not return, Rory Alan taking his place. Three minutes later, a deep insult was added to this injury.
There seemed only routine danger when McManaman, after turning Stephen Carr inside out, delivered a firm but slightly speculative shot from 25 yards. Walker sprung to his right in anticipation, only to see the ball strike a divot just in front of him and saw the ball bounce over the goalkeeper's hands. The goal was greeted almost in disbelief, certainly by Tottenham's goalkeeper, who permitted himself a rueful smile before shaking his head and turning behind him to check the big screen to convince himself he had really been beaten in this bizarre manner.
