2. Sigurdsson Shrinks
It was a source of real bitterness amongst the Liverpool faithful that Tottenham were the team to obtain the signature of midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Icelandic playmaker had looked set to join up with his Brendan Rodgers, his former manager at Swansea, until the very last minute. It will have pleased both Rodgers and his team's support then, that Sigurdsson missed both his chances to rub salt in the wounds of those who failed to sign him in the summer. The jury may still be out on the midfielder's worth at Tottenham, with his displays not proving to be as regular as he might have hoped, but recent matches have shown an upturn in form for Sigurdsson in terms of overall play and involvement in goals. However, the former Hoffenheim man appeared to shrink under the glare of Rodgers as he missed two fantastic chances at Anfield. The first of which came after a wonderful backheel from Gareth Bale opened up the heart of the Liverpool defence. Sigurdsson bore down on goal, shooting from just inside the box and a woefully exposed Brad Jones, but saw his shot roll wide of the post. His second came after a trademark Gareth Bale run from deep split the Liverpool defence again, but Sigurdsson could only turn wide under pressure from Glen Johnson with the goal gaping and Defoe in position to slot home and kill Liverpool off.