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Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Match Reports, 22:19, January 20, 2010 ,
Liverpool have moved to within a point of fourth-placed Tottenham, after two Dirk Kuyt goals sunk Spurs at Anfield.
The home team started the game brightly and broke the deadlock after six minutes as Kuyt, who proved a constant threat up front throughout the match, scored with a side-foot finish from just outside the box after a set-up from Alberto Aquilani.
Spurs enjoyed plenty of possession throughout the first half but were continually frustrated by a Liverpool side willing to defend in numbers to protect their early lead.
The second half started with an element of controversy, as Jermain Defoe's goal after a Reina mistake was ruled out for a very late, and inaccurate, offside decision.
Minutes later, Albert Riera's header struck the crossbar and Liverpool squandered numerous other chances to score a second as the half progressed, with Philipp Degen and Kuyt particularly wasteful.
In the closing minutes of the game, with tension mounting, Liverpool won a penalty as Sebastien Bassong brought down David Ngog in the box and, on his second attempt, Kuyt fired home from the spot to hand the home side a crucial three points.