PLAYER RATINGS: Sadio Mane too hot to handle in Liverpool attack for Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool’s wait for their first Premier League win since Christmas came in emphatic style as they brushed aside Tottenham to win 3-1.

Goals from Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane ensured the three points rarely looked in doubt despite Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg pulling a goal back for the hosts at the start of the second half to make it 2-1.

On a night where both sides saw injury concerns following the early departures of Joel Matip and Harry Kane, Sportsmail’s SAMI MOKBEL rated the performances of the players from both sides.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (3-4-3)

Hugo Lloris – Kept his team in the game with a number of saves but question marks over Liverpool’s goals. 5.5

Joe Rodon – Recovered from an early blow to face but was dealt a rough ride as Liverpool threw caution to the wind. 5

Eric Dier – Hesitant on more than one occasion at the back as Klopp’s awesome attack caused major problems. 6

Ben Davies – Marginally played Liverpool onside for the opener but was as combative as ever in defence. 6.5

Serge Aurier – Mane ran off him to set up Firmino’s opener and he was duly substituted at half-time. 5.5

Tanguy Ndombele – Chased shadows as Liverpool dominated the midfield area. Little opportunity to shine. 6

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Had to get though plenty of running as the Merseysiders dominated – but scored a thunderous goal. 7

Matt Doherty – Deployed in an unfamiliar left-wing back role but stuck to his guns on an uncomfortable night. 6

Steven Bergwijn – Found himself in some promising positions but couldn’t take full advantage. Booked. 6

Harry Kane – Huge concern for Tottenham after he limped off at half-time with another worrying ankle injury. 6

Son Heung-min – A menace but suffered a frustrating night after having one chalked off for offside and another saved by Alisson. 6.5

Subs: Lamela 6 (Kane 46); Winks 6.5 (Aurier 46); Bale (Bergwijn 81)

Subs not used: Alderweireld, Vinicius, Moura, Sanchez, Sissoko, Hart, Bale.

Jose Mourinho: Was fuming as his team fell two behind but would have been encouraged by his team’s response. 6.5

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Alisson – Saved by VAR early on but made a crucial stop to deny Son in the first half before Liverpool took control. 6.5

Trent Alexander-Arnold – Has been out of sorts but looked more like his old self to score his first of the season and assist Mane’s goal. 8

Joel Matip – The club’s only fit senior centre-back appears to have sustained another injury and was substituted at half-time. 6

Jordan Henderson – Used again as a makeshift centre-back but his passing ability helped unlock Tottenham ahead of his team’s opener. 7

Andrew Robertson – As you’d expect, bundles of energy at left-back. Quality in attack and robust in defence. 6.5

Thiago – Wasteful in possession at times but so beautiful to watch. Poetry in motion. Booked. 7

Gini Wijnaldum – His contract may be expiring but his effort doesn’t seem to be waning. An all action display. 7.5

James Milner – Was full of intent with his passing. His experience was key for Liverpool as Spurs threatened a comeback. 7

Mohamed Salah – Unlucky to have a goal chalked off by VAR but still not at his scintillating best. 6.5

Roberto Firmino – Caused Spurs problems by dropping deep before scoring Liverpool’s opener from a yard. 7.5

Sadio Mane – Tottenham couldn’t handle him. Made two, scored one. The match winner. 8.5

Subs: Phillips 6 booked (Matip 46); Jones (Thiago 78); Origi (Firmino 87)

Subs not used: Tsimikas, Kelleher, Minamino, Shaqiri, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Williams

Jurgen Klopp: Will be relieved his side are back to winning ways. His team were exceptional against Spurs. 8

Referee: Martin Atkinson – His team had a busy night with VAR calls but had decent night on the pitch. 6.5