Liverpool Crush Tottenham to Reach Carabao Cup Final
Liverpool emphatically secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 4-0 demolition of Tottenham at Anfield, setting up a showdown against Newcastle United. While this match meant more to Spurs, who are desperate for silverware, it was Liverpool who delivered a ruthlessly professional performance, exposing Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking intent.
Liverpool’s Statement Win
⚽ Goalscorers:
- Cody Gakpo
- Mohamed Salah (penalty)
- Dominik Szoboszlai
- Virgil van Dijk
Despite injuries and a congested fixture list, Arne Slot’s side dominated, showing the depth and quality that has made them perennial contenders. Tottenham, meanwhile, abandoned their usual aggressive “Angeball” approach in favor of a more cautious game plan—a move that backfired spectacularly.
“Reaching a final should always be special, even for this club,” said Slot. His one-word reaction? “Pleasant.” That about sums it up—Liverpool never needed to be at their best, yet they ran riot.
Tottenham’s Tactical Misfire
🛑 Tottenham’s Approach:
- Set up defensively, likely fearing a repeat of their 6-3 December thrashing
- Aimed to protect their first-leg lead instead of playing their usual high-intensity football
- Managed zero shots on target, with Heung-Min Son hitting the bar at 3-0 down
“We were way too passive,” admitted Ange Postecoglou, whose second season trophy ambitions suffered a significant blow. With the Carabao Cup out of reach, Spurs must now focus on the FA Cup and Europa League to salvage their season.
Match Breakdown
🔹 Liverpool’s relentless pressure paid off before halftime, with Gakpo’s opener coming after a sublime Salah cross. The Dutchman, now scoring in seven straight Anfield appearances, was the game’s standout performer.
🔹 Salah doubled the lead from the spot after Darwin Nunez was brought down by Spurs’ keeper Antonin Kinsky, who endured a difficult night after impressing in the first leg.
🔹 Gravenberch and Szoboszlai hit the post, but Liverpool remained relentless. Szoboszlai calmly slotted home the third, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley, before Van Dijk sealed the rout with a towering header from a corner.
🔹 Richarlison’s early exit due to injury only compounded Tottenham’s misery, leaving them even more reliant on new signing Mathys Tel, who had little impact.
The Bigger Picture
🏆 Liverpool chase another trophy, with their recent dominance in cup finals (winning in 2022 & 2024 without Alisson) highlighting their winning mentality.
😞 Spurs continue to struggle in big moments, now facing another year of frustration unless they can make deep runs in the FA Cup or Europa League.
📅 Liverpool now look ahead to Wembley, where they will face Newcastle, while Spurs must regroup before their FA Cup tie at Craven Cottage on March 16.
For Liverpool, it was business as usual. For Spurs, another opportunity slipped away.
