As Supporters Turn on…

LIVERPOOL, England — Even “Doctor Tottenham” couldn’t remedy Liverpool’s struggles.

Tottenham’s reputation for reviving teams in need has long been a running joke in football, dubbed “Dr. Tottenham.” Yet, even this beleaguered Spurs squad, grappling with injuries and precariously near the relegation zone, failed to make Liverpool shine.

On Sunday afternoon, Liverpool’s season reached another low point with a 1-1 draw against Igor Tudor’s beleaguered Spurs at Anfield. Even after Dominik Szoboszlai’s spectacular first-half free kick, some Liverpool fans were already leaving before Richarlison equalized due to a defensive mishap.

“Your support is f—ing s—,” came the frustrated chant from Tottenham’s away supporters. It was telling that fans of a winless team in 2026 showed more faith in their players than those of the reigning Premier League champions, highlighting Liverpool’s latest lackluster performance.

Once a club that transitioned from “doubters to believers” under former manager Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool now appears filled with uncertainty and anxiety. Although they moved up a spot in the standings by drawing against Spurs—bypassing Chelsea, who lost to Newcastle United—the audible boos from the home crowd signified a fan base that lacks enthusiasm for the future.

Last season, Liverpool had a remarkable day against Tottenham, celebrating a 5-1 victory, clinching their 20th league title. Now, those days seem a distant memory.

Where there was once joy, symbolized by red smoke and ticker tape, there is now only gray skies and uncertainty. Just a few months after appearing to lay the foundations for a dynasty, Arne Slot now faces calls for his resignation.

Coming off a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray during the week, this match was viewed as an opportunity for Liverpool to restore morale against a weakened Spurs. Despite their opponent missing key players like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Liverpool failed to capitalize on the chance.

When Szoboszlai’s free kick gave Liverpool an early lead at 18 minutes, it seemed Spurs—who had been dismantled defensively in their last match—were ripe for the taking. However, whether due to complacency, ineffective coaching, or individual errors, Liverpool failed to deliver the final blow against their vulnerable rivals.

Too often, Liverpool’s promising plays evaporated, reverting to a lackluster, disconnected style that has drawn criticism throughout the season. Meanwhile, Tottenham exploited weaknesses in the Reds’ fragile defense, and Richarlison’s late equalizer was deserved.

This goal marked the eighth instance this season where Liverpool allowed a Premier League goal in the last minutes of a match, a record for the club. Each of these late goals has altered match outcomes, costing Liverpool precious points due to their recurring lapses in concentration.

Given their recent trend of surrendering leads, it was unsurprising that discontent was expressed by fans after the final whistle.

play

Slot: Liverpool owe ‘frustrated’ fans after late Tottenham draw

Arne Slot reacts to Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against relegation-battling Tottenham after conceding another late goal in the Premier League.

In his post-match press conference, Slot acknowledged the fans’ frustrations: “I think it’s understandable for fans to be frustrated because it has happened already so many times that they have seen the home team not picking up the points they’re expecting due to goals conceded in the last minute.” He added that both he and the players share this frustration, emphasizing the need to channel it into a stronger performance for the next match.

From Tottenham’s viewpoint, Sunday could mark a pivotal moment in their fight against relegation. Despite still seeking their first win under interim manager Tudor, their tenacity at Anfield could serve as a model for upcoming clashes, starting with the crucial match against Nottingham Forest next weekend.

The away supporters celebrated their team’s draw, applauding Tudor and his squad for a display that defied expectations and could prove vital in the battle to stay up. Conversely, the Liverpool players appeared stunned.

Despite a season fraught with challenges and misfortune, the margin for error has shrunk for Slot and his team. They can no longer evade criticism as the clock ticks down on their season, which seems to reveal a side not ready for the fight ahead.