However, while Cisse’s 37th-minute strike separated the two sides, it was Steven Gerrard who yet again ran the show for the visitors.

Tottenham, with five new signings and one 17-year-old debutant in a new-look line-up, posed little attacking threat as Jacques Santini was given a difficult introduction to Premiership football.

Tottenham did at least attempt to respond, although not entirely convincingly as Hyypia was just as dominant as Naybet had earlier been at the other end.

John Arne Riise cleared a shot off the line from Johnnie Jackson but, otherwise, the home side’s only real threat was a long-range effort by Redknapp which flew comfortably off-target.

Back came Liverpool. While Kewell’s influence had started to wane, his low cross soon forced Naybet into clipping a clearance just inches over his own bar.

From the corner Kanoute’s headed clearance fell at the feet of Finnan, who returned the ball with interest as it was flicked into the path of Cisse.

Cisse may have initially been been recruited to Anfield by former boss Gerard Houllier but it was his successor Benitez who reaped the early benefits of the French striker’s summer arrival.

Cisse, who was standing on the edge of the six-yard box, made no mistake from close range as Tottenham’s defence remained rooted to the spot.

Liverpool’s dominance was clear by this stage, with Gerrard also powering a right-foot volley just inches over the top.

The frustration of the home fans grew, with their midfield offering precious little pace or inventiveness under such pressure from Gerrard and Hamann.

And especially with the likes of Keane out injured, Santini had few obvious options to turn to at half-time.