Anfield Index
·21 gennaio 2025
Anfield Index
·21 gennaio 2025
Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, secured by Lucas Bergvall’s dramatic 86th-minute strike, should have been a catalyst for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Instead, Spurs have endured a torrid run of form that threatens to derail their season.
What began as a promising night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has quickly descended into a nightmare. Spurs slumped to a 2-1 defeat in the North London derby against Arsenal, a game that exposed their defensive fragility. Matters worsened days later with a chaotic 3-2 defeat at Everton, where they found themselves three goals down before halftime.
Photo IMAGO
Adding to the malaise, Postecoglou’s men required 120 minutes to see off fifth-tier Tamworth in the FA Cup. Hardly the dominant display expected from a side with top-four ambitions.
This downturn has left Tottenham languishing in 15th place, only eight points clear of the relegation zone. A team that once seemed poised to challenge for silverware is now grappling with an alarming slump.
If results weren’t concerning enough, Tottenham’s squad has been decimated by an injury crisis. Key defensive figures Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven are all sidelined for extended periods. Without their usual defensive steel, Spurs have struggled to keep opponents at bay.
Now, Postecoglou has confirmed another major setback ahead of their daunting trip to Anfield. Striker Dominic Solanke, a former Liverpool player, has been ruled out for several weeks with a knee injury, casting serious doubt over his involvement in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Speaking to reporters, Postecoglou addressed Solanke’s injury blow, as relayed by journalist Ben Dinnery:
“It was just one of those things. It wasn’t like it was even a challenge,” the 59-year-old said.
“It was just him trying to shoot and twisting his knee.”
“It’s just one of those things that, unfortunately, we’re going through now… We’re hoping that it is not too serious, but it will certainly keep him out for a few weeks.”
With 11 goals and six assists this season, including two goals in four EFL Cup appearances, Solanke’s absence is a hammer blow to Spurs. His ability to lead the line has been crucial, and losing him at such a pivotal moment compounds Tottenham’s woes.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will sense an opportunity. Arne Slot’s side, still in the hunt for multiple trophies, will be eager to capitalise on Spurs’ crisis. With the second leg at Anfield, the Reds will back themselves to overturn the deficit and book a place in the Carabao Cup final.
Postecoglou will need to rally his troops for what promises to be a formidable challenge at Anfield. With Liverpool in strong form and Tottenham’s injury list growing by the week, the North London side faces an uphill battle to preserve their slender lead.
The Carabao Cup has offered Spurs hope of ending their trophy drought, but with their season unravelling, Postecoglou must find a way to stop the rot—starting with a performance of grit and resilience against Liverpool.
Live