Liverpool's European heroes forced another massive effort from their weary limbs to cling onto their dreams of Champions League qualification, by beating Spurs 3-1 at Anfield today. Emile Heskey put them ahead early on but battling Spurs equalised through Willem Korsten and made life very hard for the Anfield men. Then Gary McAllister – the penalty hero against Barcelona in midweek - struck home a 74th minute spotkick and Robbie Fowler clinched the points in the dying minutes.
The Reds had got a dream start through Heskey on seven minutes, the England striker burst through a flat backline onto a Berger pass to coolly side-foot home from 15 yards. Liverpool thought they had scored again on 23 minutes when Berger's fierce drive across the box was headed in by Owen, showing astonishing reflexes, only for the 'goal' to be disallowed for offside.
Liverpool were still contesting the decision when Spurs broke straight from the free-kick. Former Liverpool midfielder Oyvind Leonhardsen charged down the left and played a square pass for Willem Korsten, who arrived in the box unmarked and cracked a shot in from 12 yards.
The penalty came after an Owen effort from 10 yards looked to hit Luke Young, a harsh decision and one that cost Clemence a booking for arguing. But there was McAllister again to coolly fire home the spot kick, and Liverpool had inched themselves in front.
Spurs piled on the pressure and Westerveld made a fine save from Gardner's header as Liverpool clung on. But with just two minutes to go, Liverpool managed one more effort. A Markus Babbel cross from the right was met by Fowler charging into the box to power a fine header into the far corner. Job done.
Filed by Seán Folan
