Liverpool emerged victorious in the EFL Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, sealing their place at Wembley with a resounding 4-0 win, overturning the 1-0 deficit from the first leg. The aggregate score now stands at 4-1, showcasing Liverpool's dominance as they move closer to their third visit to Wembley in four years.
Needing at least two goals to progress, Liverpool was on the attack from the outset. The breakthrough came when Cody Gakpo, who has been on fire this season, scored the opener in the 33rd minute. Mohamed Salah delivered a brilliant outside-of-the-boot cross, and Gakpo netted it past Tottenham's goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, bringing the aggregate score level (1-1).
Despite dominating possession and showcasing relentless pressure, Liverpool had moments of frustration as well. Salah's quick reactions nearly led to another goal, but one effort was disallowed for offside. Liverpool's high pressing forced Tottenham’s defenders to constantly scramble, with the visitors struggling to find any attacking fluidity.
The second half saw Liverpool maintain their momentum, and their optimism quickly paid dividends when Salah was taken down inside the box, leading to a penalty. Salah himself stepped up to convert the spot-kick, putting Liverpool 2-0 up (2-1 on aggregate) as Kinsky had no chance to stop the powerful shot aimed at the top-left corner.
With Tottenham now needing more than two goals to keep their cup hopes alive, the match quickly tilted irrevocably against them. Liverpool’s next goal came from Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored beautifully after receiving the ball from wing back Conor Bradley. Szoboszlai's effort sealed the outcome at 3-0, with Kinsky left helpless once again.
To add insult to injury, Virgil van Dijk capped off the rout with Liverpool's fourth goal, heading home from another corner taken by Mac Allister. It was the perfect exclamation mark on Liverpool's performance.
“It’s been the story of Liverpool’s night hasn’t it,” said Didier Domi during the match commentary, encapsulating the frustration Tottenham faced. Spurs, under the direction of manager Ange Postecoglou, had no answers for Liverpool’s relentless attack.
Throughout the match, Tottenham struggled not only to win battles but also to maintain possession. Midfielders Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur were often overwhelmed by Liverpool’s dynamic play, leaving Spurs attacking options isolated. After the match, Postecoglou's tactics faced scrutiny, particularly the decision to rest key players like Micky van de Ven, which some viewed as overly cautious.
Despite the criticism, Postecoglou remains optimistic about his squad’s future, stating, “Spurs haven’t played bad have they? There’s just been no outlet.” His remarks reflect the reality of the match, where Spurs' only notable chances came during desperate counterattacks, but they lacked the cohesive frontline presence needed to capitalize.
With Newcastle United having already secured their place in the final by defeating Arsenal, Liverpool’s comprehensive win ensures they will face Newcastle at Wembley, hoping to claim the EFL Cup trophy. Liverpool, managing to keep their hopes alive for silverware this season, looks to build on this victory as they chase additional accolades.
The match was not solely about securing passage to the final but also about showcasing Liverpool's attacking prowess. Players like Gakpo and Salah, once again, underlined their importance to the team, scoring and assisting goals, as they work to secure their legacy within the club's rich history.
The victory serves as encouragement for Liverpool fans who had witnessed their team struggle earlier this season. Add to this the depth of their bench, which allowed for timely substitutions, and the optimism surrounding Liverpool's campaign may well be fanned by this performance.
With the crowd at Anfield not only celebrating the victory but also the flair of their team’s performance, thoughts now turn to the upcoming final, where Liverpool hopes to reclaim glory after several years without lifting the League Cup.
Arne Slot's impact on Liverpool cannot go unnoticed as he continues to lead the charge, instilling confidence and tactical intelligence deeply rooted within the squad. This match was just another chapter added to his burgeoning coaching resume, and with the cup final looming, eyes will be firmly on the Reds to produce magic once again.