Liverpool overturned a one-goal deficit versus Spurs to cruise into league cup final.
Liverpool came from behind to thrash Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, defeating Ange Postecoglou’s side 4-0 at Anfield to book their place at Wembley.
Spurs had a 1-0 lead from the first leg, but the competition holders turned things around in style, winning 4-1 on aggregate after a dominant performance. The Reds got the job done in front of a lively Anfield crowd against a Spurs side that looked completely out of ideas.
Liverpool were on top from the start and broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Yves Bissouma lost possession in midfield. Mohamed Salah picked up the loose ball and sent in a clever cross for Darwin Núñez, who missed his effort, but Cody Gakpo was there to drill it home.
The visitors, who had hopes of ending a 17-year trophy drought despite a poor Premier League campaign, barely threatened the 10-time winners of this competition. Their task became even tougher just five minutes into the second half when Núñez was wiped out by goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, and Salah stepped up to convert from the penalty spot.
Sensing victory, the Anfield faithful erupted into Wembley chants as Tottenham struggled to respond. Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the win with a composed finish from Conor Bradley’s cross, before Virgil van Dijk’s textbook header from a corner put the game beyond doubt. Liverpool will now defend their crown at Wembley on Sunday, March 16.
Liverpool will face Newcastle United — who beat Arsenal 4-0 over two legs — at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 16.
Arne Slot Relishing First Wembley Visit
Arne Slot, who is enjoying a brilliant debut season at Liverpool, was all smiles as he spoke to Sky Sports after the match. When asked if this was his most special night in charge so far, he said:
“Because it results in a final? Maybe,” he said. “But we’ve had some big nights here already with (Bayer) Leverkusen, with (Manchester) City, with (Real) Madrid and I’m probably forgetting a few.
“But to reach a final should always be special and that’s what it is.”
The Dutchman is eagerly looking forward to his first trip to Wembley.
“In Holland, we only have one cup competition and the final is played at the end of the season. So it’s a new experience, but it’s a nice one,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s a special stadium for English people but also for Dutch people. We know the history of that stadium.
“I’m very pleased to go there but we know we are going to face a very, very tough opponent. I saw them yesterday and I’ve seen them this season. They’re a very good team but they’re going to face a very good team.”
Liverpool are flying under head coach Arne Slot and triumph in the EFL Cup would present the Dutch manager with a first piece of silverware at Anfield – with his side also sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League, still in the FA Cup and cruising through to the Champions League last 16.
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