Van Dijk defends Simons after red card as Liverpool edge Spurs

Virgil van Dijk moved quickly to cool the fallout from Xavi Simons’ first half dismissal as Liverpool claimed a 2–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, a result shaped decisively by a VAR review and a tense finish in north London.

Simons was sent off after his challenge on Van Dijk was upgraded from a yellow to a red, leaving Spurs short-handed before the interval. Liverpool took advantage to secure three points that lift them into fifth in the Premier League, while Tottenham slipped to 13th.

The victory extends Liverpool’s unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions and keeps momentum building under Arne Slot. It also underscored the fine margins that continue to define this season, with discipline, depth, and game management proving decisive as the calendar tightens.

The atmosphere was sharp from the outset, with Spurs pressing high and Liverpool looking to move the ball quickly through midfield. Early exchanges were physical and frantic, and the intensity set the tone for a match that rarely settled.

The pivotal moment arrived in the first half when VAR intervened on Simons’ challenge, judging the contact severe enough to warrant a red card. Van Dijk later confirmed he had spoken with his international teammate and stressed there was no intent to cause harm.

Liverpool struck first through a well-taken finish that rewarded their numerical advantage, but the goal came with concern as the scorer was forced off moments later after a collision with Micky van de Ven. Tottenham stayed alive and eventually pulled one back, injecting fresh tension into the contest.

Despite playing with ten men and later nine, Spurs showed resilience after the break, pushing Liverpool deeper than expected. The visitors controlled possession for long spells but struggled to fully close the game, leaving space for late pressure.

The final minutes were chaotic, with Tottenham pressing for an equaliser and Liverpool scrambling to manage the clock. A last-gasp chance nearly undid the visitors, but they held firm to see out a nervous win.

For Liverpool, the result is another step forward and a reminder of the work still to be done, particularly in closing games. Attention now turns to recovery and an upcoming test against Wolves, as Van Dijk and his teammates look to carry momentum through a demanding period of the season.