Liverpool stormed into the Carabao Cup final with a dominant performance against Tottenham, crushing their opponents with a ruthless display at Anfield. From the first whistle, it was clear that one team was prepared to seize control, while the other struggled to cope with the relentless pressure. Tottenham, already burdened by an ongoing injury crisis, found themselves completely overrun as Liverpool’s intensity and quality shone through.
The game was effectively decided early in the second half when Mohamed Salah converted from the penalty spot, giving Liverpool the aggregate lead. It was his 26th goal of the season, another reminder of his relentless consistency. At that point, Spurs were technically still in the tie, but in reality, they never looked capable of turning things around. Liverpool were simply too fast, too aggressive, and too determined.
Tottenham’s best moment came in the 78th minute when Son Heung-min produced a clever step-over before smashing a shot against the bar from a tight angle. It was one of only five shots they managed all night, none of which were on target. In contrast, Liverpool were relentless in attack, carving open the visitors with ease. Cody Gakpo set the tone with the opening goal in the first half, taking advantage of a chaotic moment inside the box. Dominik Szoboszlai added a second before Virgil van Dijk, imperious as ever, headed home the fourth to cap a statement performance.
Tottenham’s struggles were compounded by yet another injury setback, with Richarlison forced off at the end of the first half. He joined a growing list of unavailable players, a situation that has plagued their season. The setback only added to their sense of helplessness as Liverpool tightened their grip on the game.
This result carried extra significance given previous encounters between these sides. Liverpool had grievances from controversial moments in their recent meetings with Spurs, including a wrongly disallowed Luis Díaz goal and the first-leg incident involving Lucas Bergvall, who should have been sent off before scoring the only goal. Here, there were no doubts, no room for debate—Liverpool were simply the superior side in every aspect.
As the first half progressed, Liverpool turned up the intensity, dominating possession and suffocating Tottenham with their high press. Szoboszlai had a goal ruled out for offside before Gakpo struck the opener. The move stemmed from a misplaced Yves Bissouma pass, but Liverpool’s relentless pressing forced the mistake. Salah delivered a sublime outside-of-the-boot cross, Darwin Núñez added an element of chaos in the box, and the ball fell to Gakpo, who powered home.
The hosts continued to push forward, with Salah striking the bar just before halftime. That moment coincided with Richarlison going down injured, prompting a frosty reaction from the Anfield crowd given his Everton connections. Spurs introduced their new signing Mathys Tel, with fellow newcomer Kevin Danso also in the lineup. It was a harsh introduction to English football, as Liverpool showed no mercy.
The second half started in much the same way, with Liverpool piling on the pressure. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky did well to deny Szoboszlai’s header from a corner, but moments later, he found himself at the center of disaster. Salah’s clever pass into the box found Núñez, who was too quick for the goalkeeper’s reckless challenge. A clear penalty was awarded, and Salah made no mistake, firing into the top corner.
Liverpool showed no interest in merely protecting their lead. Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch both struck the woodwork before Conor Bradley slipped in Szoboszlai for a clinical finish. Van Dijk then put the finishing touch on a complete performance, rising highest to meet a corner and power in Liverpool’s fourth goal.
With this victory, Liverpool booked their place in the final, where they will face Newcastle. Given their form and momentum, they will enter as clear favorites. For Tottenham, this was another bitter disappointment in a season of frustrations, leaving them with little to salvage beyond their upcoming FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. But for Liverpool, this was another step in their pursuit of multiple trophies, as their march towards silverware continues.
