Liverpool Crush Spurs 4-0 to Storm Into Carabao Cup Final Against Newcastle

Liverpool emphatically booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 in the second leg of their semi-final clash at Anfield, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit, the Reds will now face Newcastle United at Wembley on March 16.

Cody Gakpo sparked Liverpool’s comeback in the 34th minute, converting a Mohamed Salah cross with a precise right-footed strike.

Salah then extended the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half after Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky brought down Darwin Nunez.

Dominik Szoboszlai added a third before Virgil van Dijk sealed the commanding win with a powerful header, ensuring a comfortable passage to the final.

Newcastle Awaits Liverpool in Wembley Showdown

Newcastle United, having eliminated Arsenal with a 4-0 aggregate victory, are set to compete for their first major domestic trophy since 1955. Eddie Howe’s team, after a convincing win over Arsenal, will provide a strong challenge for Liverpool in the final.

For Liverpool, the final represents an opportunity to add another trophy in what has been a promising debut season under manager Arne Slot.

With Liverpool leading the Premier League, progressing in the Champions League round of 16, and remaining in the FA Cup, the club continues to chase an unprecedented quadruple.

Cody Gakpo Stresses the Need to Stay Focused

Cody Gakpo acknowledged the importance of reaching the final but emphasized the necessity of staying focused. “We are in one final, but we have a lot to play for still. We have to stay calm and focus to reach as much as possible,” he stated.

Tottenham’s Struggles Continue

Tottenham’s exit from the tournament marks yet another disappointment in their quest for silverware, extending their trophy drought that dates back to their 2008 League Cup triumph.

The defeat will likely increase scrutiny on manager Ange Postecoglou, with Spurs struggling for consistency in the Premier League and failing to register a single shot on target in the match, as reported by Opta.

Postecoglou expressed his disappointment, saying, “We have given up a good opportunity tonight and we cannot shy away from that. We were in a good position to get to the final. Nobody needs to pick me up, I just need to pick up the players.”

Liverpool’s Tactical Superiority on Display

Liverpool dominated the game from start to finish, pressing Tottenham high and forcing them deep into their own half. The Reds’ relentless intensity suffocated the visitors, making it difficult for them to play out from the back.

Mistakes in midfield allowed Liverpool to regain possession frequently, with Mohamed Salah instrumental in setting up key chances. His precise cross found Cody Gakpo, whose first-time finish broke the deadlock.

The second goal came shortly after halftime when Salah set up Darwin Nunez, who was brought down by Kinsky inside the box.

Salah confidently converted the penalty, solidifying Liverpool’s advantage. Szoboszlai and Van Dijk then added to the scoreline, sealing a dominant victory.

Newcastle vs. Liverpool: A Final to Watch

With Liverpool in exceptional form and Newcastle determined to end their long wait for a major trophy, the Carabao Cup final promises to be a thrilling encounter at Wembley.

For Liverpool, this will be their 15th appearance in the League Cup final, reinforcing their reputation as the most successful club in the tournament’s history.

The final also presents Dutch manager Arne Slot with an opportunity to win his first domestic trophy in English football since replacing Jurgen Klopp.

Spurs Struggled to Make an Impact

Tottenham’s struggles were compounded by the absence of key players due to injuries. Richarlison was forced off in first-half stoppage time, making way for new signing Mathys Tel.

However, the Bayern Munich loanee found it difficult to influence the game in what turned out to be a baptism of fire.

Despite fielding a strong squad, Spurs failed to create clear-cut chances, with Liverpool’s defensive solidity ensuring that they didn’t manage a single shot on target. The result highlights the significant gap between the two sides on the night.

Postecoglou Reflects on Spurs’ Poor Performance

After the match, Tottenham’s manager lamented his team’s lack of intensity and organization. “A tough night. Credit to Liverpool, they were way too good for us tonight. We never really got to grips with the game, with or without the ball, just allowed them to get control pretty early,” Postecoglou admitted.

“We never really played to our ability and our strengths today. We just sort of shied away from the challenge a little bit,” he added.

“We didn’t start the game well, we were way too passive and allowed Liverpool to get into a rhythm. And when they do that, especially here at home, they are hard to stop.”

Tottenham’s Silverware Drought Continues

Tottenham’s latest setback extends their wait for silverware, with their last major triumph dating back to the 2008 League Cup final against Chelsea. Their record at Anfield remains dismal, with only one win in their last 28 visits since 1999.

Liverpool Eyes More Silverware

With this emphatic victory, Liverpool now turns their attention to Wembley, where they will face Newcastle in a highly anticipated final. Having showcased their strength in depth and tactical superiority, the Reds will enter the match as favorites.