Spurs put a serious dent in Liverpool Premier League title hopes at the weekend, with the 1-1 draw at Anfield making Manchester City heavy favourites to retain their title in the weeks ahead.
The home side did not perform poorly on the evening, although they did come up against a very well drilled Tottenham team. Antonio Conte's men defended brilliantly, sitting deep and soaking up pressure before launching dangerous looking counterattacks.
Speaking to the media after that game, Jurgen Klopp was open in the fact that he wasn't exactly a fan of the defensive tactics employed by his opponents.
I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about [Spurs' defending] because I don't like this kind of football. But that is my personal problem. I think they are world-class and I think they should do more for the game.
It's a game against Liverpool, they have 36 per cent possession. But that is my problem. I cannot coach it. So that is why I cannot do it. World-class players, [who] block all the balls. It is really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it.
Fine, whatever, absolutely fine, it's just I can't. But yes I respect everything they do. But it's not me.
While Spurs did defend deep during the game, it was not as if they were without an attacking threat of their own. They created a number of good opportunities and could well have won the game.
Antonio Conte feels that Klopp's comments were a bit misguided.
Antonio Conte responds to Jurgen Klopp comments
Speaking ahead of their short trip to Arsenal on Thursday evening, the Italian said that his counterpart's response to the game was a bit rash.
Jurgen is an intelligent person, very clever.
For the coach, it is not simple after the game, you have to try to keep your head cool. Sometimes it is not easy and many times if you remember this season I was disappointed with the result and myself and my players.
I have respect for Jurgen and I know he respects me a lot and this is a good chance for him and me to learn that during the game you never have to speak about your opponent. It is important to be focused on your team.
He was a bit frustrated after the game but at the same time for every coach it is important to learn to be focused on your team, not the opponent. It means you want to find an excuse or an alibi because your job was wrong.
This was the second occasion that Liverpool failed to beat Spurs this season, drawing 2-2 in London in December.
Those four dropped points could well be very costly come the end of the campaign, although Conte's side were good value for the result on both occasions.
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