Liverpool walked away with comprehensive dominance, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Anfield, sealing their spot in the Carabao Cup final. Despite heading to Merseyside with a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, Spurs were outclassed by the reigning champions, marking another chapter of despair for their manager Ange Postecoglou.
From the outset, it was evident which team was on the front foot. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, displayed attacking prowess with 64.1% possession and 26 shots, dominating the entire 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Tottenham managed to conjure zero shots on target—a staggering statistic for any match, let alone a semi-final. This dominance was underscored by the remarkable contributions from players like Cody Gakpo, who opened the scoring with a sharp finish, and Mohamed Salah, who confidently converted a penalty.
Spurs found themselves reduced to defending from the very first whistle, with their initial strategy failing to materialize on the pitch. Postecoglou's side, under remarkable pressure to end their 17-year trophy drought, instead exhibited hesitation, spending much of the match deep within their own half. The full-throttle attacking style typically associated with Spurs was nowhere to be seen, raising eyebrows and questions from fans and critics alike.
The match statistics reflect Tottenham’s lack of offensive threat; for the first time under Postecoglou, they finished without even registering a shot on target. Such performance has sparked renewed inquiries about the club’s management and direction, with growing sentiments of frustration aimed at owner Daniel Levy, especially following the January transfer window where reinforcements were anticipated.
Throughout the match, Tottenham’s injury woes were starkly evident. The team came already missing ten first-team players, and these complications were compounded when Richarlison hobbled off the field clutching his calf, leading to the introduction of rookie Mathys Tel, who made his debut after arriving from Bayern Munich. It seemed as if the injury crisis not only affected the squad’s depth but also their confidence on the pitch.
Despite their troubles, Spurs initially held onto their slim lead, but things shifted sharply after Liverpool's Gakpo leveled the aggregate scoreline. The floodgates opened after Muahmed Salah scored with precision from the penalty spot following Darwin Nunez being taken down inside the box. This dramatic shift not only tilted the match decisively but also highlighted Liverpool's intent to retain their Carabao Cup crown.
After Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk added to the scoreline with impressive finishes, the matter was settled well before the referee blew the whistle. Liverpool's power play showcased their ambition for another trophy as they prepare for their scheduled final against Newcastle United at Wembley.
Cody Gakpo reflected on the atmosphere at Anfield after the match, saying, "We knew we had to come back from 1-0 behind, so we went out there and just tried to create as many chances as possible. With the quality we have, we know we’re going to get big chances and hopefully score. Today was a good job done, we are in one final but we have a lot to play for still and we have to stay calm and focused."
With Liverpool's renewed hunger for success, trophy number two remains within reach as their opportunity for achieving the unprecedented quadruple looms on the horizon. The sense of momentum was palpable, igniting both excitement and expectation, as they have now secured their place in another prestigious final.
On the opposite end, the road for Spurs remains treacherous. Postecoglou now finds his future under scrutiny once again, after this disheartening exit from the league cup. "We needed to be braver with and without the ball. They were too good for us," he lamented, acknowledging his team’s inability to wrest control away from Liverpool. This stark reality has darkened Tottenham’s aspirations this season as they remain to fight for attention only from the FA Cup and Europa League.
With Liverpool set to clash against Newcastle, anticipation brews not only for the match but for the impact it will have on both teams’ seasons. The final will take place on March 16, 2024, and serves as both the stage for Liverpool’s ambition and Spurs’ renewed resolve to find their way back to winning glory.