Liverpool Crush Tottenham to Reach Carabao Cup Final Against Newcastle
Holders Liverpool stormed into the Carabao Cup final with a dominant win over Tottenham, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit in emphatic fashion at Anfield. The Reds will now face Newcastle United at Wembley on Sunday, March 16, as they bid to retain their title.
Liverpool Dominate as Spurs Struggle
Liverpool wasted no time asserting their dominance, controlling the game from the opening whistle. Yves Bissouma’s costly midfield error in the 34th minute allowed Mohamed Salah to set up Darwin Núñez, whose mis-hit effort fell perfectly for Cody Gakpo to drill home.
With Tottenham struggling for ideas, Liverpool doubled their lead just five minutes into the second half when Núñez was fouled by goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, allowing Salah to fire home from the penalty spot.
Sensing victory, the Anfield crowd erupted into Wembley chants as Dominik Szoboszlai further extended Liverpool’s lead with a composed finish from a Conor Bradley cross. A towering Virgil van Dijk header from a corner sealed a comprehensive 4-0 victory, ensuring Liverpool’s place in another final.
Liverpool Chase First Trophy of the Season
Under head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool are flying high, sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League, progressing in the FA Cup, and cruising through to the Champions League last 16.
While the Carabao Cup is often seen as a lesser priority, winning it could be the first step toward a spectacular season, potentially setting up a historic quadruple push for the Reds.
Liverpool approached the match with urgency, needing to overturn their first-leg defeat in North London. From the outset, Gakpo, Salah, and Szoboszlai created chances, and while a Szoboszlai goal was disallowed for offside, Liverpool’s relentless pressure eventually broke through.
Tottenham Waste Golden Opportunity
Tottenham, desperate to end a 17-year trophy drought, arrived with a 1-0 aggregate lead but put in a flat, uninspired performance.
Instead of the usual high-intensity, attacking football associated with Ange Postecoglou, Spurs sat deep, struggled in possession (35.9%), and failed to register a single shot on target—the first time that has happened under their Australian manager.
With key players injured and pressure mounting on the club’s ownership, this defeat will raise further questions about Tottenham’s direction and ambitions. The team still has the Europa League to fight for, but this performance will be seen as a major missed opportunity.
To make matters worse, Richarlison suffered a calf injury, adding to Spurs’ growing injury crisis. New signing Mathys Tel, a 19-year-old forward from Bayern Munich, made his debut but couldn’t influence the match.
Liverpool Set for Wembley Showdown
With a commanding performance, Liverpool now turn their attention to the final against Newcastle, aiming to secure back-to-back Carabao Cup titles. Meanwhile, Tottenham are left to reflect on yet another trophy chance slipping away.
