Liverpool ensured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding performance against Tottenham, overturning a first-leg deficit in front of an electric Anfield crowd.
Trailing 1-0 from the opening leg in London, the home side quickly set the tone against a Spurs team that struggled to find momentum. The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Yves Bissouma lost possession in midfield, allowing Mohamed Salah to deliver a precise cross to Darwin Nunez. Though Nunez failed to convert, Cody Gakpo was on hand to fire home and bring the tie level on aggregate.
Tottenham, seeking to end a 17-year wait for silverware amid a difficult Premier League campaign, offered little in response. Their attacking threat was minimal, and Liverpool’s 10-time winners of this competition capitalized on their opponents’ passive approach.
Just five minutes into the second half, the hosts extended their advantage. Nunez was brought down by goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, and Salah confidently dispatched the resulting penalty. That goal all but confirmed Liverpool’s grip on the match, with the home fans already chanting about their upcoming trip to Wembley.
Any faint hopes of a Tottenham comeback were extinguished when Dominik Szoboszlai finished a well-worked move from Conor Bradley’s delivery. Virgil van Dijk then capped off a dominant evening by powering in a header from a corner, sealing a comprehensive victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who will now defend their title against Newcastle on March 16.
Liverpool chase first trophy of the season
Liverpool’s form under Arne Slot has been impressive, and lifting the EFL Cup would mark the Dutch manager’s first silverware since taking charge. With the team sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League, still competing in the FA Cup, and progressing comfortably in the Champions League, the campaign has the potential to be a historic one.
Although the Carabao Cup may not be the most prestigious trophy available, securing it would reinforce the club’s momentum and set the stage for further success. Heading into the second leg with a deficit, Liverpool managed to turn the tie around without ever needing to shift into top gear.
Tottenham offered little resistance in the first half, and an equalizer for the Reds always seemed inevitable. Szoboszlai had already seen a goal ruled out for offside before Gakpo struck the opener. Salah remained a constant threat, forcing one save over the bar and sending another attempt just wide, while goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was rarely tested.
Once Salah converted his penalty early in the second half, the outcome never looked in doubt. The final goals from Szoboszlai and Van Dijk provided a deserved reflection of Liverpool’s superiority, and the team now sets its sights on back-to-back triumphs in this competition as they prepare to face Newcastle at Wembley.
Spurs falter in pursuit of silverware
Tottenham had a golden chance to reach the final and claim a long-awaited trophy, but their lack of attacking intent cost them dearly. Despite carrying a one-goal advantage into the second leg, Ange Postecoglou’s men never looked in control.
The team had recently found some form with wins over Brentford and Elfsborg, but any momentum quickly faded as they adopted an unusually cautious approach. Their usual attacking philosophy under Postecoglou was absent, with Spurs dropping deep and offering little in possession. Managing only 35.9% of the ball and failing to register a shot on target for the first time under their current manager, Tottenham delivered an uncharacteristically passive display.
With protests against club chairman Daniel Levy mounting, this defeat will likely spark further scrutiny over the direction of the club. Though reinforcements arrived in the January transfer window, the manner of this loss will raise questions about Tottenham’s long-term ambitions and Postecoglou’s ability to deliver tangible success.
Adding to their woes, Richarlison suffered a calf injury, visibly frustrated as he was forced off the pitch. The forward, formerly of Everton, received little sympathy from the home supporters and was replaced by Mathys Tel, the 19-year-old making his debut after a deadline-day switch from Bayern Munich.
With a growing injury crisis – 10 first-team players already sidelined – Spurs face an uphill battle in the coming weeks. Though they remain in contention in the Europa League, this limp exit from the Carabao Cup will be viewed as a wasted opportunity to bring silverware back to North London.
