Tottenham’s Cup Dreams Crushed by Liverpool in EFL Cup Semi-Final
Ange Postecoglou’s hopes for a trophy were dashed when Tottenham lost 4-0 to Liverpool in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final. This heavy loss meant Spurs were out of the tournament with a 4-1 aggregate score. This ends their chase for a trophy under Postecoglou. Liverpool, however, turned the tables after losing the first leg. They now move on to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Tottenham’s Cup Dreams Shattered.
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Gakpo Shines in Liverpool’s Win
Cody Gakpo showed why he’s important for Liverpool. He scored the first goal and set them up for victory. The Dutch forward now has 10 goals in 10 games at Anfield and has scored five times in five EFL Cup matches this season. He’s the leading scorer for Liverpool in the League Cup with nine goals.
Salah Seals Spurs’ Fate
Gakpo played a big role, but it was Mohamed Salah who finished the job. He scored his 26th goal of the season with a well-placed penalty. Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk added to Tottenham’s misery. This win means Liverpool’s new coach Arne Slot has his team in a cup final in his first year, just like Jurgen Klopp did before.
Next, Liverpool is set to face Newcastle, who are hoping to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years after reaching two of the last three Carabao Cup finals.
Tottenham’s Defensive Strategy Fails
Tottenham had a one-goal lead from the first match, but their plan to defend backfired. Postecoglou, under pressure from poor Premier League results, chose a defensive style. This allowed Liverpool to dominate and apply constant pressure.
Tottenham’s defense struggled at Anfield, where they haven’t kept a clean sheet in 13 years. New signing Kevin Danso had a tough debut against the lively Darwin Nunez. Goalkeeper Anton Kinsky, who did well in the first leg, looked shaky and made a few mistakes.
Tottenham Struggles Under Pressure
Tottenham seemed overwhelmed by Liverpool’s intense play. Richarlison got into a tussle with Virgil van Dijk instead of focusing on the match. He tried to provoke a reaction but got injured just before half-time.
By half-time, Liverpool had tied the aggregate score. Anfield was buzzing as Salah, Gakpo, and Nunez all put Kinsky to the test.
Liverpool Takes Control in the Second Half
Szoboszlai thought he scored early in the second half, but it was ruled offside. Not long after, a poor clear from Yves Bissouma led to Gakpo scoring. That was Gakpo’s 16th goal of the season.
Liverpool kept the pressure up, and Kinsky had to make several saves. But he couldn’t stop Salah’s penalty in the 51st minute after Nunez was fouled in the box. Salah calmly placed the ball in the top-left corner. Tottenham was left with no way back.
Spurs Fall Apart as Liverpool Dominates
With Tottenham needing goals, they became vulnerable. Nunez nearly scored again but hit the side netting. Ryan Gravenberch also struck the post.
Eventually, Szoboszlai scored again, poking the ball past Kinsky after another good run from Bradley. Tottenham was broken, and their night went from bad to worse when Son Heung-min hit the crossbar—showing how they failed to have any shots on target.
Liverpool finished the match with Van Dijk heading in a corner kick, proving they could score at will. Tottenham’s Cup Dreams Shattered.
Liverpool Moves to the Final
Liverpool’s big win not only sends them to the Carabao Cup final but also shows how much Tottenham struggles right now. While Liverpool is favored against Newcastle, Tottenham needs to regroup.
This defeat raises more questions about Postecoglou’s approach, but for Liverpool, the hunt for another domestic trophy is on.
