Spurs One Man Team

Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League match report | Football | The Guardian:
Liverpool 3 Suarez 21, Downing 66, Gerrard (pen) 82
Tottenham Hotspur 2 Vertonghen 45, 53
Much has been said about the brilliance of Gareth Bale and his goal-scoring exploits of late. What is rarely mentioned is his devious methodology which was readily apparent in this game. There was no feigned penalty appeal this time as in their last game, but there were other occasions when his alternative attempts at provoking the referee's goodwill shone through. An example was the "foul" by Lucas which earned the free-kick leading to their second goal. Before that, it was really surprising how quick he recovered from knack to get on-field and be involved in the first goal. Although Vertonghen's name appears on the goal-scorer's list, it was Bale who made both the goals. Poor Jermaine Defoe, his contribution was to assist Luis Suarez in getting the penalty that led to Gerrard's winner.
Coming back to Bale, he has earned more cards for simulation than Britain's famous scapegoat Suarez, yet the press seems to take great pleasure in vilifying the Premier League's top scorer. It seems foreigners are fair game, as can be witnessed by the various efforts to taunt Rafa Benitez. Or is it just for those with a connection to Liverpool?
Not to detract from this well-deserved, yet undeniably fortuitous win, which saw Liverpool leap-frogging Everton to go above them in the league for the first time this season. The players were a bit slow in their reactions at times, and this only changed  after Joe Allen replaced the faded Coutinho in the second have. This is evidenced that both mistakes that lead to the goals were as a direct result of pressure from the Reds.
It is now hoped that the winning streak continues away to Southampton this Saturday. After all the hype and jubilation, the all-too-familiar minefield of lower level opposition awaits. Let us provide justification to Brendan Rodger's words on the relentless improvement at Anfield.