After the 4:0 victory against Tottenham at Anfield Cheap Liverpool Jerseys secured their place in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley on 16 March, live on Paramount+. Thanks to a goal and an assist from Mohamed Salah, the Reds overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to win the tie against an injury-plagued Tottenham side. Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel made their debuts for Tottenham after signing on deadline day, but it was not enough. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 34th minute with his fourth goal in the last four games and from then on Liverpool were all square.
While some of the problems stemmed from Tottenham missing key first-team players such as Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero and Micky Van De Ven, Ange Postecoglou's men were set up not to lose and were punished at Anfield. Salah scored his 26th goal in all competitions this season as his quest for a Ballon d'Or and Liverpool's quest for a quadruple continues. Three second-half goals ensured there would be only one winner as Liverpool kicked into second gear after Tottenham had done all they could to limit their first-half chances.
From their mentality of never worrying about a game to their ability to utilise the likes of Diogo Jota and Alexis Mac Allister, it shows why Liverpool are leading the race for the Premier League title while putting together strong runs in all other cup competitions, leaving Tottenham to pick up the pieces as their season crumbles into ruins and they lose their best chance of winning a trophy.
Moment of the game
After Liverpool had scored at the end of the first half, it was clear that the next goal would be decisive at 2-0. Although they came out strongly in the second half, it was a mistake that gifted Liverpool their opening goal. After a superb pass from Salah, Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky had to tackle Darwin Nunez to prevent a goal, but he touched him and a penalty was awarded to Liverpool. When Salah stepped up to take the spot-kick, the result was never in doubt and Tottenham's downward spiral continued from there.
Man of the match
While Salah was outstanding in attack, the fact that Tottenham did not concede a single shot on goal shows how cohesive the Liverpool defence was under the leadership of Virgil Van Dijk. With four recoveries, two clearances and an interception in the game, it wasn't so much about how many tackles the Dutchman had, but rather that he anticipated things and made sure Tottenham never looked comfortable in attack, which he did brilliantly. Add to that the fact that he scored a goal to put this out of reach and it was a superb overall performance.
What the result means for Liverpool
Liverpool are already the competition's defending champions and have secured their place in the final against Newcastle United. This also keeps their quest for the quadruple alive. Liverpool are favourites in every competition they enter, so this won't be a groundbreaking result, but to go in with the expectation and then win it means something for the Reds. Under Arne Slot, they have not missed a beat this season and will be ready to compete in the FA Cup this weekend before taking on Everton in the league.
What the result means for Tottenham
Whilst Spurs are still in the FA Cup and Europa League, this was a disheartening defeat to Liverpool. Injuries are a problem, but their players could not stand up to Liverpool despite a conservative approach. Postecoglou is in a difficult position. He had to use several players who only came in on deadline day, this time Richarlison got injured again and his team falls behind in front of him.
Tottenham already have problems in the league, Cheap jerseys are Tottenham's route to success and it hurts to lose your best chance of winning a trophy. Spurs will face Aston Villa in the FA Cup this weekend, another clash they need to win, but that doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Something has to change, and it shouldn't be the manager, but if these results continue Postecoglou could be the odd man out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
What comes next?
Liverpool and Newcastle United meet in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on 16 March live on Paramount+, but before that both teams play in the FA Cup this weekend. Tottenham travel to Aston Villa and Liverpool travel to Championship side Plymouth Argyle, both on Sunday.