Liverpool stormed past Tottenham with a dominant performance at Anfield, securing their place in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. Under Arne Slot’s management, Liverpool were relentless, showcasing their superiority from start to finish in a one-sided encounter.
The match was effectively decided early in the second half when Mohamed Salah converted from the penalty spot, netting his 26th goal of the season. Until that point, Tottenham had clung to a faint hope of turning the tie around, but as the game unfolded, it became clear they were no match for Liverpool’s intensity. From the first whistle, the home side pressed high, dominated possession, and dictated the tempo, leaving their opponents chasing shadows.
Liverpool had started strongly, pushing Spurs back and testing their defensive organization. Dominik Szoboszlai thought he had given his side the lead in the first half, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside. However, it was only a matter of time before they found the breakthrough. A misplaced pass from Yves Bissouma set the tone for Tottenham’s struggles, as Liverpool pounced. Salah’s clever outside-foot cross into the box created havoc, and after a bit of chaos involving Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo reacted quickest to fire home. It was a deserved lead, and Spurs never truly looked like recovering from it.
Their frustration was compounded when Richarlison, who had clashed early on with Virgil van Dijk, was forced off injured just before halftime. The visitors barely threatened, managing just five shots throughout the game none of which were on target. Their best moment came when Son Heung-min hit the crossbar late on, but by then, the result was beyond doubt.
Liverpool came out for the second half with even more intensity, and it didn’t take long for them to double their advantage. A teasing ball from Salah found Núñez, who was brought down by Tottenham’s goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The penalty was inevitable, and Salah dispatched it with authority, leaving Kinsky no chance.
From there, Liverpool played with even more freedom. Szoboszlai added a third with a clinical finish after being played in by Conor Bradley, before Van Dijk capped off a commanding performance by heading home from a corner. Tottenham, already struggling with injuries, looked disjointed and demoralized as Liverpool’s relentless pressing and movement tore them apart.
The defeat deepens the challenges for Tottenham, who now turn their attention to an FA Cup clash with Aston Villa. For their manager, the game was a reminder of how far his squad still has to go. His team showed little of the attacking bravery and personality he demands, instead wilting under Liverpool’s pressure. The injury crisis continues to pile up, with Richarlison’s latest setback adding to an already lengthy absentee list.
For Liverpool, this victory not only secured a trip to Wembley but also reinforced their status as one of the most formidable teams in England. Sitting at the top of the Premier League and still competing in multiple competitions, they continue to build momentum. With the Carabao Cup final now set, Newcastle will have their work cut out trying to stop a Liverpool side that looks increasingly unstoppable.
