Postmortem: Liverpool Smash Spurs to Secure Carabao Cup Final Spot | OneFootball

Liverpool 4 – 0 Tottenham – The Carabao Cup Semi-final 2nd Leg (4-1 agg) Postmortem

The atmosphere at Anfield was full of noise and expectation as Tottenham arrived with a desire to defend their first-leg 0-1 lead. The Reds had been in rampant form leading into this second leg encounter, with a strength in depth which allowed Arne Slot to make some rotation changes to his starting eleven.

Below is how the team lined up, with match details following.

The Starting Eleven

Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk (c), Andy Robertson , Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo

Photo: IMAGO

Subs

Diogo Jota – Darwin Núñez (72 mins)

Alexis Mac Allister – Curtis Jones (72 mins)

Harvey Elliott – Mohamed Salah (81 mins)

Luis Díaz – Cody Gakpo (81 mins)

Jarell Quansah – Virgil van Dijk (87 mins)

Goals (Assisted by)

Liverpool 1 – 0 Tottenham – Cody Gakpo (Mohamed Salah) 34 mins

Liverpool 2 – 0 Tottenham – Mohamed Salah (Penalty) 51 mins

Liverpool 3 – 0 Tottenham – Dominik Szoboszlai (Conor Bradley) 75 mins

Liverpool 4 – 0 Tottenham – Virgil van Dijk (Alexis Mac Allister) 80 mins

Important Match Stats

Possession: Liverpool 64% – 36% Tottenham

XG: Liverpool 3.94 – 0.18 Tottenham

Total Shots: Liverpool 26 – 5 Tottenham

Corner Kicks: Liverpool 14 – 4 Tottenham

Offsides: Liverpool 3 – 1 Tottenham

Fouls: Liverpool 5 – 8 Tottenham

Goalkeeper Saves: Liverpool 0 – 6 Tottenham

The First Half

The match began with Liverpool and Tottenham battling for control of the ball, highlighted by a scuffle between Virgil van Dijk and Richarlison that added intensity to the action under the Anfield lights. As the pace of the game picked up, Liverpool increased their speed of play, moving the ball from side to side against a Spurs team weakened by injuries.

The first goal of the second leg was eventually ruled offside; however, the sublime pass from Mohamed Salah and the first-time strike by his Hungarian teammate, Dominik Szoboszlai, provided a glimpse of the game’s unfolding drama. Darwin Núñez had his first real opportunity on goal, but it was comfortably collected by Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The variety of balls into the box allowed Núñez a free header, but unfortunately, his placement was off.

As the match progressed, Mohamad Salah ramped up his creative involvement, delivering a perfectly arced cross through a crowded area with the outside of his famous left boot, allowing Cody Gakpo to take a first-time shot that flew past Kinsky and inside the near post, levelling the score at 1-1. The pressure mounted as Ryan Gravenberch pushed forward into the box, but his attempt to shoot was thwarted by a solid defensive block. The loudest cheer from the ecstatic crowd came when Conor Bradley decisively clattered into both player and ball, leaving Son Heung-min on the floor.

Throughout the first half, Caoimhin Kelleher had little to contend with, while the entire back four effectively combined defensive and offensive efforts. Ryan Gravenberch excelled in midfield, while Curtis Jones controlled the movement of the team. Dominik Szoboszlai proved to be a constant threat, causing significant issues for the defenders tasked with marking him. The towering defensive duo of Virgil and Ibou were impenetrable.

The first half ended with Liverpool in clear control, leaving Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou to consider how to handle their resurgence.

The Second Half

Liverpool retained the same starting eleven at the beginning of the second half and appeared to adopt an even more aggressive attacking approach, sensing their opponents were on the verge of collapse. It took mere moments for both Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah to challenge Tottenham’s defence. An incredible through ball from Salah set up a footrace between the speedy Darwin Núñez and Antonin Kinsky, which Núñez won, leading to a clear penalty. Salah confidently struck the spot kick into the top corner while the keeper dove in the opposite direction.

After Cody Gakpo’s shot was deflected onto the far post, both head coaches made substitutions to inject new energy into their teams. Alexis Mac Allister’s introduction paid immediate dividends, as he drove forward with the ball and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to the advancing Conor Bradley, who assisted Dominik Szoboszlai for a well-deserved goal. The counterattack was exquisite, and the finish was expertly executed, ensuring Liverpool’s place in the final.

In an impressive finale, Virgil van Dijk added the team’s fourth goal of the night, sealing the victory with authority. Mac Allister provided the perfect corner, enabling the captain to head the ball into the net and the hearts of the travelling supporters.

The match concluded with a score of 4-0 (4-1 on aggregate), guaranteeing Liverpool a trip to Wembley.

Final Thoughts

This match was always under the control of the cup holders, and their dominant performance served as an ideal way to prepare for the upcoming Merseyside Derby. The FA Cup trip to Plymouth is likely to see peripheral players involved, as the Premier League remains the priority.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 3 – 0 Tottenham