Resurgent Spurs claimed another big-name scalp for new boss George Graham, though Liverpool almost snatched a point in a thrilling finale at White Hart Lane.

Ron Jones reports (BBC Radio 5 Live)

Gerard Houllier's side, badly lacking the midfield inspiration of injured Steve McManaman and suspended Jamie Redknapp, looked dead and buried when they trailed by two goals just four minutes into the second half.

But Patrik Berger's superb free-kick, which curled into the top corner from 20 yards, turned what had been a one-sided match into a dramatic encounter.

Both Tottenham goals went in off Liverpool players.

Chris Armstrong challenges Stig Inge Bjornebye

Robbie Fowler suffered a wicked deflection which turned Ruel Fox's low drive beyond the reach of goalkeeper David James in the 25th minute and a panic-stricken Jamie Carragher turned Chris Armstrong's cross into the net as Les Ferdinand lurked.

But Liverpool drew spirit from Berger's spectacular reply five minutes later and there were chances for both sides to add to the scoresheet in a tension-packed last quarter.

Spurs, lifted by their midweek Worthington Cup triumph against Manchester United, quickly suggested they would have the points wrapped up by half-time.

Armstrong, with four goals in his previous three games, frightened the life out of the Liverpool defence with his pace and aerial threats.

George Graham: We played excellently

Armstrong had twice gone down in the box, with referee Graham Barber giving Carragher and Phil Babb the benefit of the doubt for reckless challenges, before Fox struck the opening blow.

They doubled their advantage thanks to Carragher's own goal with the second period still in its infancy.

Berger strike

However, when Berger's brilliant free kick, following a Fox foul on Fowler, hit home there was a new complexion to the contest.

Liverpool went for the win, bringing on substitute Danny Murphy for teenager Steve Gerrard, to help Norwegian Vegard Heggem double the threat down the right.

Spurs lived on their nerves for a long spell and Michael Owen almost squeezed home narrow-angled shots with the home defence fully stretched.

Then Fowler, meeting an over hit right-wing cross beyond the far post, nearly turned the ball back in.

Graham's influence on the Spurs team was clear with Fox and Darren Anderton both doing trojan work in their own half and stemming the Liverpool flow.

But occasionally the gaps appeared and it took a marvellous tackle by Andy Sinton to prevent Fowler forcing home Murphy's centre.

Spurs also had their chances to put the match safe but Armstrong hooked the ball over after Anderson barged Paul Ince out of the way.

And Ince scraped the ball off his own line when Armstrong was about to force it in from Ferdinand's header.

Tottenham: Walker, Carr, Nielsen, Fox, Anderton, Armstrong, Ginola, Iversen, Sinton, Campbell, Young. Subs: Baardsen, Calderwood, Ferdinand, Scales, Clemence.

Liverpool: James, Staunton, Babb, Fowler, Owen, Heggem, Berger, Ince, Bjornebye, Carragher, Gerrard. Subs: Friedel, Kvarme, Harkness, Murphy, Thompson.