Liverpool delivered a stunning performance on Thursday night, overturning a first-leg deficit with a resounding 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur to secure their place in the League Cup final.
The emphatic win, which sees Liverpool facing Newcastle at Wembley on March 16, puts additional pressure on Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, as his side continues to search for a long-awaited trophy.
Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk each found the back of the net, highlighting Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of silverware this season.
The victory leaves Liverpool poised for a potential quadruple under head coach Arne Slot, who is enjoying a dream debut season.
The Reds currently hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, have advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League, and will face Championship side Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
“To reach a final should always be special,” Slot remarked after the match. “It was a very good performance from our side.”
In contrast, Tottenham’s trophy drought continues, with the club last lifting silverware in 2008. Postecoglou now faces increased scrutiny, having missed yet another opportunity to claim a trophy in his second season.
The Australian acknowledged the disparity in performance, stating, “We have given up a good opportunity tonight and we cannot shy away from that. They were by far the better team.”
Despite facing key injuries, including the absence of Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and James Maddison, Tottenham struggled to mount any meaningful challenge against a resurgent Liverpool side.
New signing Kevin Danso was thrust into action in defense, while Mathys Tel made a brief appearance off the bench following an injury to Richarlison.
After a slow start, Liverpool quickly found their rhythm, with Szoboszlai striking first only for it to be ruled offside.
However, it didn’t take long for the Reds to capitalise on their possession, as Gakpo fired home from Salah’s assist, solidifying his position as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
The decisive moment of the match came five minutes into the second half when Salah converted a penalty after a foul on Darwin Nunez, bringing his season tally to 26 goals.
Liverpool continued to dominate as Szoboszlai added a third and Van Dijk capped off the scoring with a header from a corner, leaving Spurs reeling.
Newcastle, having dispatched Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final, will be looking to end their own 56-year wait for major silverware when they meet the unstoppable Liverpool juggernaut at Wembley. The stage is set for an exciting final showdown.
