Liverpool secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final with a dominant 4-0 victory over Tottenham at Anfield, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit in style.
Cody Gakpo’s first-half strike leveled the tie, setting the tone for a commanding performance that sent the Reds back to Wembley.
Trailing from the opening leg, Liverpool restored parity in the 34th minute when Gakpo fired home at the back post after a well-placed cross from Mohamed Salah.
Tottenham’s response was limited, with Dejan Kulusevski’s long-range effort soaring harmlessly over the bar.
Things worsened for Spurs when Richarlison was forced off with an injury, paving the way for a debut for January signing Mathys Tel.
Liverpool carried their momentum into the second half and extended their lead just five minutes after the restart. Darwin Nunez earned a penalty after being brought down by Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Salah made no mistake from the spot, blasting the ball into the top corner and leaving Kinsky helpless.
The Reds pressed on relentlessly. Cody Gakpo came close again, flashing a shot across goal, while Ryan Gravenberch rattled the post with a powerful strike from distance.
The third goal eventually came through Dominik Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted home after a clever pass from Conor Bradley.
Tottenham showed flashes of life as Son Heung-min struck the crossbar with a stunning effort from a tight angle. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Virgil van Dijk rose above the defense to head home from a corner, much like his decisive goal in last season’s final.
Arne Slot’s approach to the Carabao Cup shifted dramatically as Liverpool progressed deeper into the tournament.
Once considered a lesser priority, the competition now represents a significant opportunity for silverware. With a trip to Wembley booked, Slot and his team have a golden chance to lift the trophy and build confidence for the challenges ahead.
For Tottenham, the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold might have seemed like a glimmer of hope. However, his replacement, Conor Bradley, delivered an outstanding performance at right-back.
Not only did he neutralize Son, winning eight of his ten duels, but he also showcased his attacking prowess with a superb assist for Szoboszlai’s goal.
Bradley’s impressive display highlighted Liverpool’s squad depth—a crucial factor in their journey to the final.
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou finds himself running out of options for silverware this season. With the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa looming and no realistic chance of challenging for the Premier League title, the Europa League may now offer Spurs their best shot at a trophy.
If that’s the case, Postecoglou may need to rethink his rotation strategy as the competition enters its decisive stages.
For now, Liverpool march on to Wembley, eyes firmly set on lifting the Carabao Cup once again.
