FOR a club famous for its fightbacks the world over, this triumph barely registers on Liverpool’s all-time list.

Yet there was something highly significant about claiming the scalp of Tottenham after a remarkable contest at Anfield.

Make no mistake, Brendan Rodgers’ side have played better and lost this season. This wasn’t a performance from the top drawer, not even close.

But what Liverpool did showcase was a bucket-load of character as they rallied to secure the most cherished victory of Rodgers’ reign.

The Reds’ previous showdowns with top six sides this term have been hard luck stories – tales of promise rather than points with performances wrecked by alarming individual errors.

This time roles were reversed as Liverpool gleefully took advantage of Spurs shooting themselves in the foot.

The calamitous mistakes which led to Stewart Downing making it 2-2 and then skipper Steven Gerrard converting the match-winning penalty late on were gifts, but they were taken with ruthless precision.

It’s a sign of the progress the Reds have made in recent months that when they were under the cosh following Jan Vertonghen’s double either side of half-time they refused to throw in the towel.

They dug deep to inflict Spurs’ first league defeat for three months and climb into the top six for the first time all season.

Suddenly, momentum is growing in pursuit of that European place with fourth placed Chelsea now only seven points better off.

There was only one winner in the shoot-out between Footballer of the Year candidates Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale.

Suarez flourished once again, plundering the 50th goal of his Liverpool career in his 91st appearance and drawing the reckless challenge from Benoit Assou-Ekotto which enabled the Reds to clinch a third successive league win for the first time since May 2011.

Rodgers made two changes following the 4-0 rout of Wigan. After Pepe Reina failed a fitness test on a tight calf, Brad Jones was handed his first start since the FA Cup debacle at Oldham in January.

Daniel Sturridge, who had recovered from a thigh problem, returned to the starting up at the expense of Joe Allen, who dropped to the bench.

During a cagey opening spell it was Philippe Coutinho who lit up the game, cutting inside off the left flank with menace.

The Brazilian’s quick feet and ability to spot a pass has made him a major addition to Liverpool’s attacking armoury since his arrival from Inter Milan in January. Coutinho expertly picked out Sturridge early on but the striker’s heavy first touch forced him wide and the chance went begging.

There was a scare at the other end when Jones unconvincingly swatted away Bale’s dipping 25-yard free-kick but for the most part the Reds were in the ascendancy.

The hosts got their reward with a goal of real quality in the 21st minute. Glen Johnson surged forward and switched play out to Coutinho on the left.

The £8.5million signing flicked the ball into the path of Jose Enrique and then moved into space to receive it back. Enrique had already set off and Coutinho didn’t disappoint him, threading it through for the Spaniard to latch on to.

The full-back cleverly found Suarez, who flicked a brilliant finish inside Hugo Lloris’ near post with the outside of his right boot. It was a wonderful goal from a striker in the form of his life as the Uruguayan took his tally for the season to 29.

Enrique deservedly took the plaudits as well. Last season his form nose-dived badly but this term he has improved steadily and his understanding with Suarez borders on telepathic.

With his tricks and flicks, Coutinho’s contribution was more eye-catching at times but Downing was equally as affective on the opposite flank.

Both ensured Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Walker were too preoccupied defending to pose a threat further forward.

Tracking back and making key interceptions, the work rate of Coutinho and Downing was as heart-warming as their attacking prowess.

For so long that £20million price tag hung heavily on Downing’s shoulders but in recent months the shackles have come off. Rodgers’ threat to sell him in January proved to be a wake-up call as the penny finally dropped about the opportunity he had been given and how close he was to squandering it.

The Kop provided another shot of confidence to the in-form England man, politely informing Bale via song that he was only a pale imitation of Liverpool’s own flying winger.

Dangerman Bale had been well shackled with Lucas Leiva shining in front of the back four, ensuring the Welshman didn’t have space to run into. But towards the end of the first half the Reds got sloppy, giving the ball away cheaply and inviting pressure.

There was a let-off when Gylfi Sigurdsson fired narrowly wide and then Assou-Ekotto shot straight at Jones. Liverpool were in urgent need of the interval but on the stroke of half-time Tottenham restored parity.

Bale, who popped up on the right wing having just trotted back on following treatment after a thunderous aerial challenge from Gerrard, was afforded far too much time and space.

And he made the Reds pay – whipping in a cross which Vertonghen nodded into the far corner. The delivery was enticing but Johnson didn’t cover himself in glory, having allowed the Belgian to get away from him far too easily.

It was an awful time to concede and the equaliser transformed the contest. In the second half Spurs turned the screw and Liverpool were ragged.

Jones denied Jermain Defoe before the visitors grabbed the lead in the 53rd minute. The Reds made a hash of dealing with Bale’s free-kick into the box and Vertonghen slammed home from 10 yards.

Tottenham were inches away from wrapping up the points soon after. Bale burst clear and found Sigurdsson unmarked at the back post. The Icelandic international, who spurned Liverpool’s advances last summer, appeared destined to score but Johnson did just enough, diverting his shot on to the outside of the post.

The Reds were being overrun in midfield and on the hour Rodgers took decisive action as Allen replaced Coutinho. The extra man in the middle paid dividends but it took a helping hand for the hosts to make it 2-2 in the 66th minute.

Walker’s lofted backpass from halfway was wretched and Lloris raced out but couldn’t deal with it.

Downing pounced and then kept his composure, blasting it through Vertonghen’s legs on the line.

Suddenly, belief surged through the Reds’ veins and Downing continued to lead the charge, crossing for Sturridge, who nodded into the side-netting.

With eight minutes to go Anfield erupted. In trying to clear, Defoe inadvertently played the ball straight into the path of Suarez, who was recklessly chopped down by Assou-Ekotto.

Gerrard sent Lloris the wrong way from the spot to secure Liverpool’s first win over Spurs in six attempts. It was victory with a helping hand but no-one was complaining.