Liverpool No2 Colin Pascoe hailed the spirit shown for their 3-2 win over Tottenham.

The Reds twice took the lead through Lazar Markovic and later a Steven Gerrard penalty.

Spurs had responded on each occasion, firstly from Harry Kane's finish and then, in the second half, via a close-range Mousa Dembele conversion at the Kop end.

But substitute Mario Balotelli netted the winner on 83 minutes.

"We knew tonight would be a tough game but it was very important that we got the three points to keep closing the gap," said Pascoe at the post-match press conference.

"It was probably a great game to watch for spectators. The way everything was going, you knew we would always create chances. Daniel [Sturridge], coming back, is always a threat in behind.

"The way he makes the runs, he was unfortunate not to get a second penalty. Young Jordon Ibe was very calm on the night; he played well and slipped that ball into Adam.

"He showed a lot of composure with the ball and then Adam played a cross in to Mario to get the winner. As we talked about in the team meeting, we needed to win tonight, to get closer and edge closer."