"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right," is a famous quote from industrialist Henry Ford which has become something of a feel-good truism in the decades since it was first used. While it may still be aspirational, it's also one of the pithiest ways to describe Liverpool FC vs. Tottenham Hotspur, both this past weekend and in their historic Champions League final in July, as in both cases belief was a clear key to victory.

In Spain's Wanda Metropolitano, Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the first minute and Mo Salah converted it in the second. Almost four months later at Anfield, Harry Kane, who was present in body but absent in spirit from the Champions League final clash against the Redmen, converted an awkward rebound with a solid header, giving the traveling Spurs an immediate 1-0 lead over the hosts.

In a mirror image of the vastly more important game from the summer, Spurs then ran roughshod over Liverpool, who, at times, appeared shell-shocked by the early goal. Around 20 minutes in, just as composure was returning, Kane almost made it two with a cross to Dele Alli, who was barely a step away from putting it in the back of a rare wide-open goal due to Alisson misreading the flow.

By the end of the first half, the tide wasn't so much turning as it was developing. As ripples gradually build to the city-leveling disaster of a tsunami, the Liverpool counterattacks, which all ended in missed headers, blocked volleys and aimless set pieces, created a feedback loop with the already-frustrated fans. Spurs didn't help either as they repeatedly cut Liverpool's momentum with niggling fouls. Both Danny Rose and Moussa Sisoko garnered bookings back-to-back.

It's here, off-pitch, after the whistle blew for half time, that the power of belief came into action. What actually happens in the locker room is always a matter of speculation, but how the team plays when the second half begins often gives us hints. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, from his time as Borussia Dortmund to today, is a beloved figure for pros and fans alike and is well known for his positivity. Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, on the other hand, seemingly already cast his die when he preemptively called time on his reign at Spurs before the Champions League final – he described it as his"final chapter" – meaning the 2019/20 Premier League season has the feeling of being a studio-mandated sequel rather than a continuation of the successful 2018/19 season: Not only are they 11th place domestically, they recently got trounced 7-2 in Europe by Bayern Munich.

Seven minutes into the second half, Liverpool scored, and most importantly, it was Jordan Henderson who did it. The midfielder is Klopp's amanuensis on the team, and the equalizer felt like a reward for his hard work in establishing his manager's tactics and also for maintaining the positive mindset that his defined his era.

Spurs didn't give up; in fact, they stayed exactly as they did in the first half, which is generally the same thing. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and the aforementioned Henderson did whatever they wanted up and down the pitch and only got into trouble at the Spurs end, where, inevitably, Sadio Mane was fouled in the box and Salah stepped up, making it 2-1 for Liverpool in a replay of his Champions League opener.

The score held to the end. Post-game, Liverpool were all smiles and hugs as they celebrated winning a game they began from a handicapped position and, more importantly, the continuation of a 10 match unbeaten streak in this year's Premier League. It's hard not to support Liverpool; even the bitterest Toffee or most die-hard Red Devil have to admit that this team is a delight to watch and a force for good within the sport.