Arne Slot is targeting an unprecedented quadruple with Liverpool, beginning with the first trophy on offer at Wembley.
Image credit: Liverpool FC
Liverpool delivered a commanding performance at Anfield, crushing Tottenham 4-0 in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final to secure a 4-1 aggregate victory.
The Reds, who were trailing 1-0 from the first leg, wasted no time in turning things around and now set their sights on defending their title against Newcastle at Wembley.
Liverpool Dominate from the Start
From the opening whistle, Liverpool took control of the game, pressing high and forcing mistakes from a lackluster Spurs side.
Their breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Yves Bissouma lost possession in midfield, allowing Mohamed Salah to set up Cody Gakpo, who made no mistake in slotting the ball home.
Liverpool’s momentum continued in the second half, and just five minutes after the restart, Darwin Núñez was brought down in the box by Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
Salah stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, doubling Liverpool’s lead.
As Spurs struggled to mount any response, Liverpool sealed the win with two more goals.
Dominik Szoboszlai fired in from a Conor Bradley cross in the 75th minute, and Virgil van Dijk put the icing on the cake with a powerful header from a corner just five minutes later.
With the home crowd in full voice, chants of “Wembley” echoed around Anfield as the defending champions marched confidently into the final.
A Crucial Step for Arne Slot’s Liverpool
This victory keeps Liverpool on course for what could be a historic season.
Under new head coach Arne Slot, the Reds are flying high, sitting six points clear in the Premier League, advancing in the FA Cup, and looking strong in the Champions League.
While the EFL Cup might not be their top priority, lifting the trophy would give Slot his first silverware at Anfield and set the tone for a potentially trophy-laden campaign.
Liverpool’s front line was electric, with Gakpo, Salah, and Szoboszlai constantly threatening.
Even when Szoboszlai’s early goal was ruled out for offside, it was clear the Reds were in complete control. Spurs, on the other hand, failed to register a single shot on target, highlighting their struggles under pressure.
Tottenham Waste Another Trophy Opportunity
For Spurs, this was another painful missed opportunity. Holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Ange Postecoglou’s side had a golden chance to reach their first domestic final in years.
However, their performance at Anfield was uninspired.
Lacking their usual attacking intensity, Tottenham spent most of the game on the back foot, managing just 35.9% possession. Their defensive approach backfired spectacularly, and as the goals poured in, they had no response.
To make matters worse, Spurs suffered yet another injury setback, with Richarlison limping off in frustration, adding to their already extensive injury list.
Although they remain in contention for silverware in the Europa League, this defeat will sting.
With growing frustration among fans over the club’s management and ownership, Postecoglou faces serious questions about his tactics and future direction.
Liverpool Set for Wembley Showdown
Liverpool will now face Newcastle in the EFL Cup final on March 16, aiming to make it back-to-back titles. With their form and confidence soaring, they’ll be strong favorites to lift the trophy once again.
For Tottenham, it’s another trophyless season slipping away unless they can turn things around in Europe.