Mario Balotelli scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool to earn a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling match at Anfield.
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The recent form of both sides was clear throughout the early stages as they each looked to get onto the front foot, but it was Liverpool who looked the most dangerous, thanks largely to the lively Daniel Sturridge, who was making his first start in the Premier League since August.
Sturridge was gifted the first chance of the evening when he latched on to a loose ball before hitting a tame effort straight at Hugo Lloris.
Tottenham's goalkeeper looked helpless a few moments later when Steven Gerrard curled just over the crossbar from a free kick, but the home supporters wouldn't have to wait much longer for an opening goal.
It was Sturridge who led the counter-attack with a run from deep before picking out Lazar Markovic, who carried the ball into space before seeing his low effort sneak past Lloris.
A poor pass from Nabil Bentaleb handed Sturridge the opportunity to double his side's advantage, but Eric Dier recovered well to dispossess the England international with a fine tackle.
Spurs continued to look comfortable in possession despite the deficit, and they were level midway through the first half when Erik Lamela combined with Christian Eriksen before teeing up Harry Kane, who fired past Simon Mignolet for his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions.
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Liverpool came agonisingly close to retaking the lead before the break when Sturridge struck the post with a clever back-heel following good work from Jordon Ibe.
Brendan Rodgers did watch his side go ahead once again early in the second half as Gerrard stepped up from the penalty spot to beat Lloris after Danny Rose had tripped Sturridge inside the box.
Much like the first half, Spurs responded well to the setback, with Erik Lamela forcing Mignolet into a fine save with a powerful effort from 20 yards.
Mauricio Pochettino's side did get the reward they deserved as Mignolet parried an Eriksen free kick to Kane, who set up Mousa Dembele for a simple finish from close range.
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Lloris made up for his earlier mistake by keeping the visitors on level terms to deny Alberto Moreno at the near post after Philippe Coutinho had spotted the run of his teammate in the box.
Chances started to become more difficult to come by as both managers turned to their respective benches in an attempt to decide the game late on.
It was Rodgers who played the decisive hand as Balotelli found the space in the six-yard box to convert from fellow substitute Adam Lallana's cross and clinch all three points for Liverpool, who are now just three points outside the top four.
Callum Mulvihill
