Liverpool go fourth as Sadio Mane downs sloppy Spurs

Sadio Mane struck a double as Liverpool returned to form with a 2-0 victory that moved them back into the top four and severely dented Tottenham's title hopes.

The Senegalese forward, who was sorely missed by the Merseysiders during his spell at the Africa Cup of Nations, hit two in two minutes in a first-half blitz that helped the Reds claim a belated first league triumph of 2017.

It took Mane's tally to 11 for the season, but it was the all-action pace and energy he adds to Liverpool's attack that brutally exposed a Spurs defence who endured one of their worst outings in recent memory.

The hosts tore through the visiting rearguard on countless occasions with a vibrant first half showing that had been a feature of their season up until January - and later married it with a controlled, professional approach to the second period.

Mauricio Pochettino's men rarely troubled Simon Mignolet and could have been on the end of a hiding if it was not for Hugo Lloris, as they failed to live up to the pre-match claims that saw many tipping them as the only serious challengers to league leaders Chelsea.

The result means the second-placed Lilywhites remain nine points adrift of Antonio Conte's men, who can stretch their lead to 12 points if they win at Burnley on Sunday.

Liverpool are just one point behind Spurs in a congested top six, as they edge ahead of Manchester City into fourth spot on goal difference.

An important win for Liverpool... AND Chelsea. Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have all had their moments of mini crisis this term, leading many to suggest a hard-to-beat Spurs side would be the only challenger capable of turning up the heat on Chelsea. On this evidence, the Blues have it sewn up. Liverpool needed the victory after a torrid start to 2017 and knew they had dropped to sixth ahead of kick off due to Manchester United's win over Watford. With Mane back and scoring goals they appear to have reignited their season - but it's too late for the title. It's Chelsea's to lose, while it's a scrap for the other three Champions League places for the remaining five sides who make up the top six.

Sadio Mane (Liverpool): Electric in attack. Took his goals superbly and could have had three or four but for Lloris. Showed once more why he has become a crowd favourite in his first season at Anfield.

Liverpool: Mignolet 7, Clyne 7 , Matip 7, Lucas 7, Milner 7, Henderson 8, Wijnaldum 8, Lallana 7, Mane 9, Coutinho 7, Firmino 7. Subs: Can, Klavan n/a.

Spurs: Lloris 8, Walker 6, Alderweireld 6, Dier 5, Davies 5, Dembele 5, Wanyama 6, Dele 5, Eriksen 5, Son 5, Kane 5. Subs: Winks 5, Sissoko 5, Janssen n/a.

13' - LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Spurs all over the place as Liverpool break at pace. It drops to Coutinho who tries to place it into the corner from 10 yards but sees it brilliantly blocked by the heel of Alderweireld.

16' - GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Spurs. Wijnaldum slips a lovely ball through for Mane who rampages clear of Davies and fires it over Lloris.

18' - GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Spurs. Mane at the double. Lloris does well to deny Firmino and Lallana but it drops for Mane who slams it high into the net on the rebound.

23' - LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Mane almost in for a treble. He is put through again but steers into the side netting. Spurs are all at sea and within seconds the Senegal star has another rising shot that Lloris is forced to push to safety.

26' - TOTTENHAM CHANCE! Spurs respond. Son gets free on the left of the area but sees his low shot blocked by Mignolet. The visitors press again with Alli's header back across goal nodded over from inside his own six-yard box by Lucas.

74' - LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Coutinho dances onto Lallana's lay off and flashes a 20 yard strike just wide of Lloris' right post.

Sadio Mane has been directly involved in more PL goals than any other Liverpool player this season (11 goals, four assists).

Tottenham have failed to win any of their five away matches against teams currently in the PL top-six (D2-L3), while they remained unbeaten in away matches against teams outside the top-six (W4-D4).

Liverpool are now unbeaten in nine PL matches against Tottenham Hotspur. The Reds have only had one longer top flight unbeaten run versus Spurs (10, 1971-1976).

Spurs lose their 16th PL match at Anfield. Old Trafford (20) is the only away stadium they have lost more PL fixtures at (Stamford Bridge also 16).