Liverpool triumphed over Tottenham with a convincing 4-0 victory, overturning a first-leg deficit to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final with a 4-1 aggregate scoreline. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk demonstrated Liverpool’s attacking prowess at Anfield, marking a significant moment for manager Arne Slot in his first domestic cup final since succeeding Jurgen Klopp last summer.
The match started poorly for Tottenham, who failed to capitalize on their lead. A defensive mistake by Yves Bissouma allowed Salah to assist Gakpo, who scored his tenth goal in just ten home appearances. Salah later converted a penalty following an error by Antonin Kinsky, further extending Liverpool’s advantage. Szoboszlai added a third goal before Van Dijk completed the rout with a header from a corner, leaving Spurs to endure their joint heaviest defeat under manager Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham struggled to create any meaningful chances, failing to register a shot on target throughout the match. Jamie Redknapp criticized the team’s lack of fight and ability to set the tempo, noting the disappointment around the performance of experienced players.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool will face Newcastle in the final, after they defeated Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Postecoglou’s aspirations for silverware appear distant, as Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought continues.
Analysis: Tottenham’s Confusion and Liverpool’s Control
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter remarked that Tottenham seemed to barely participate in the semi-final, readjusting its body language to express despair as Liverpool dominated. The visiting side completed only 88 passes in the first half—their lowest under Postecoglou—while the second half worsened for them. With a meager expected goals (xG) of 0.18, Spurs showcased a disappointing lack of coherence in their strategy.
Jamie Carragher criticized Tottenham’s inability to rise to the occasion against a formidable Liverpool side, stating that the team’s history reflects a consistent failure to surprise in big games.
Postecoglou Addresses Criticism
Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou acknowledged his side’s failure to meet performance standards, emphasizing the need for greater aggression off the ball. In response to Redknapp’s claims about lacking fight, he stated that he values his role in managing the club above public opinions.
Slot Relishes the Final
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed excitement about reaching the final, calling it a special experience. He looks forward to the encounter at Wembley, highlighting the stadium’s historical significance for both English and Dutch fans.
In summary, Liverpool’s emphatic victory sets up an exciting final showdown against Newcastle, while Tottenham grapples with the implications of their uninspired performance on an important stage.
Credit: Sky Sports
