Liverpool stormed into the Carabao Cup final with a dominant 4-0 victory over Tottenham at Anfield, securing a 4-1 aggregate win. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk led the charge, while Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai also found the net in a resounding performance that left Spurs with no answers. The Reds will now face Newcastle United at Wembley on March 16, as Arne Slot eyes his first silverware in charge.
Salah and Van Dijk Shine in Liverpool’s Rout
Rumors have been swirling around Anfield about new contracts for Salah and Van Dijk, and if Wednesday night’s performance is anything to go by, Liverpool must do everything to keep their two talismen. Salah, once again the driving force in attack, set up the opener for Gakpo before converting a penalty. Van Dijk, commanding as ever, capped off the win with a powerful header, mirroring his goal in last season’s final.
Tottenham never looked like mounting a comeback, and Liverpool made sure of it with a relentless display of attacking football. Darwin Nunez was instrumental in winning the penalty, drawing a clumsy challenge from Spurs’ goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, whose nightmare debut only worsened as the game progressed.
Clinical Liverpool Tear Through Spurs’ Defense
Liverpool wasted no time asserting dominance, with Salah orchestrating the opening goal. His pinpoint cross found Gakpo, who coolly finished past Kinsky. Moments later, the Egyptian forward doubled the lead from the spot, sending the Anfield faithful into raptures.
Szoboszlai made it three with a composed finish after latching onto a brilliant pass from Conor Bradley. The young full-back, deputizing for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, impressed with his attacking runs and defensive solidity.
Van Dijk put the icing on the cake in the dying minutes, rising highest to head home from an Alexis Mac Allister corner, sealing Liverpool’s place at Wembley.
Tottenham Left Searching for Answers
It was a night to forget for Tottenham. Richarlison’s early exit due to injury only compounded their woes, while Son Heung-min’s best effort—a curling shot that struck the crossbar—was their only real threat. Spurs struggled to cope with Liverpool’s relentless pressing and incisive passing, looking second-best throughout the match.
Manager Ange Postecoglou, who had guided Tottenham through a promising cup run, cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. His team lacked urgency and creativity, failing to trouble Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher.
Key Performers for Liverpool
- Mohamed Salah (8/10): Another game, another goal. His assist and penalty conversion proved crucial in setting the tone for the victory.
- Virgil van Dijk (8/10): A dominant presence in defense and attack, capping off a brilliant display with a towering header.
- Cody Gakpo (8/10): A constant threat on the left flank and took his goal brilliantly.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10): Sharp movement and precise finishing made him one of Liverpool’s standout performers.
- Conor Bradley (8/10): An excellent performance at right-back, filling in seamlessly for Alexander-Arnold.
Arne Slot Eyes First Trophy in Charge
Liverpool’s new boss, Arne Slot, couldn’t have asked for a better night. His tactical approach stifled Spurs while allowing his attacking stars to flourish. The Dutchman now has the opportunity to secure silverware in his first season, with Newcastle standing in the way.
With Salah in unstoppable form and Van Dijk leading by example, Liverpool fans have every reason to believe their team can lift the trophy once again. Their attention now turns to upcoming fixtures, with an FA Cup clash against Plymouth next on the agenda.
As the final whistle blew, Anfield erupted in celebration, knowing that another Wembley showdown awaits. If Liverpool maintains this level of performance, Newcastle will have a formidable challenge in the Carabao Cup final.
