Liverpool vs Tottenham EFL Cup Report

Scorers: Gakpo 34’, Salah 51’ (P), Szoboszlai 75’, Van Dijk 80’

Liverpool produced a dominant display to overturn a first-leg deficit and storm into the League Cup final with a resounding 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

The result sees Arne Slot’s men advance to a record-extending 15th final in the competition, where they will face Newcastle United at Wembley in March.

Liverpool Take Control After Early Spurs Resistance

Despite trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Liverpool wasted no time in asserting themselves on the game.

Tottenham, buoyed by Newcastle’s success in defending a similar advantage against Arsenal the previous night, set up to frustrate the hosts, with debutant Kevin Danso slotting into their backline.

Spurs initially looked resolute, limiting Liverpool to half-chances. Antonín Kinský made routine saves from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez, while Dominik Szoboszlai had a goal ruled out for offside after finishing smartly at the near post.

Meanwhile, Tottenham had a few moments on the counter, but they struggled to test Caoimhín Kelleher in goal.

Liverpool’s persistence eventually paid off in the 34th minute when Salah whipped in a sublime outside-of-the-boot cross.

The ball evaded Núñez but found Cody Gakpo at the back post, who clinically fired into the bottom corner to level the tie on aggregate.

The home side nearly went into half-time ahead, but Kinský made a stunning save to tip Salah’s volley onto the crossbar.

Liverpool Take Command in the Second Half

Liverpool picked up where they left off after the restart, continuing to pile pressure on a retreating Tottenham side.

The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Núñez touched the ball beyond Kinský and was brought down inside the box.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Salah confidently dispatched the penalty into the top-left corner, putting Liverpool ahead in the tie for the first time.

Spurs had no answer to Liverpool’s relentless intensity. The Reds hit the woodwork twice in quick succession—first, Kinský got a fingertip save to Gakpo’s driven effort, diverting it onto the post, before Ryan Gravenberch struck the upright from long range.

The third goal arrived soon after, as Conor Bradley threaded a precise pass through to Szoboszlai, who made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom right corner.

Van Dijk’s Header Caps Off Dominant Display

Tottenham’s best chance of the match came when Son Heung-min rattled the crossbar, but any lingering hopes of a comeback were extinguished moments later.

Virgil van Dijk rose highest from an Alexis Mac Allister corner, outmuscling Danso to nod in Liverpool’s fourth goal of the night.

With the tie firmly wrapped up, Liverpool managed the closing stages with ease, ensuring their place in the League Cup final.

Liverpool Set for Wembley, Spurs Left in Turmoil

The result sees Liverpool move within touching distance of a record-extending 10th League Cup triumph.

They will now turn their attention to Wembley, where they will look to secure consecutive EFL Cup titles for the first time since their historic four-year dominance in the early 1980s.

For Tottenham, this comprehensive defeat leaves Ange Postecoglou facing mounting pressure. Their League Cup hopes are over, and unless they can go deep in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League, the Australian manager could find himself in an uncertain position by the end of the campaign.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool’s performance was a statement of intent, showcasing their ability to overwhelm opponents with attacking intensity and defensive resilience.

With Salah and Gakpo instrumental, and Van Dijk leading by example, the Reds will enter the final against Newcastle with confidence.

For Spurs, this heavy defeat is a reality check. Their inability to contain Liverpool’s high press and lack of attacking threat will raise serious concerns about their ability to challenge for silverware. Postecoglou must find solutions quickly if his side is to salvage their season.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
https://www.efl.com/match-centre/g2499264?