mario Balotelli ends goal drought as he scores the winner against Tottenham

Cape Town - Mario Balotelli came off the bench to score Liverpool's winner against Tottenham Hotspur at

Anfield on Tuesday night.

Balotelli, who had not scored a league goal for 769 minutes, poked home Adam Lallana's cross to score what would become a 83rd minute winner in a 3-2 victory.

Lazar Markovic opened the scoring as he low shot across the face of Hugo Lloris goal handed the hosts the lead before Harry Kane equalised in an open and fast paced English Premiership fixture.

Daniel Sturridge, denied several chances including an improvised back heel on the stroke of half time, earned a penalty after Danny Rose lunged in to stop his weaving run.

Steven Gerrard stepped up for the spot kick and beat Lloris, who guessed the right way but could not deny Gerrard his goal.

Gerrard now moves alongside Robbie Fowler as Liverpool's 5th all-time leading scorer for the club.

Controversy marred Spurs' second goal as Harry Kane was deemed on-side as he followed up on a free kick which Simon Mignolet parried into his path.

Kane crossed into Mousa Dembele's path, who chested home to give Spurs a chance at sneaking the win on the road.

Jordan Ibe, who was brilliant throughout the contest, linked up with Adam Lallana on the right flank before Lallana crossed to Balotelli, who finished calmly.

Liverpool moved ever closer to the Champions League spots but still remain two points behind Manchester United, who play Burnley at home on Wednesday.