Liverpool stormed into the League Cup final with a comeback 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, overturning a first-leg deficit to set up a Wembley showdown with Newcastle United.
As Cody Gakpo’s opener leveled the tie on aggregate in the 34th minute, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk resisted the temptation to celebrate excessively, knowing there was still work to be done.
That relentless hunger has defined Arne Slot’s side this season, as they chase multiple trophies.
With Liverpool already topping both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League tables, their dominant display against Tottenham demonstrated their determination to claim silverware under Slot’s leadership.
Second-half goals from Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Van Dijk ensured a comprehensive victory, securing the Reds’ place in the final.
A Night of Contrasts at Anfield
The atmosphere at Anfield before kickoff was electric, with fans creating a European-night feel as they welcomed the team bus.
Liverpool’s history is steeped in success, and Slot’s men look increasingly capable of adding to that legacy.
Tottenham, on the other hand, arrived in poor form despite recent wins over Elfsborg and Brentford.
Plagued by injuries to 10 first-team players, they struggled for possession, managing just 27% and registering only one shot in the first half, compared to Liverpool’s 11.
Slot had spoken before the game about his excitement for his first knockout tie at Anfield, and his team delivered.
Gakpo opened the scoring with a composed finish from Salah’s cross, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Gakpo, who struggled for consistency last season under Jürgen Klopp, has thrived under Slot, scoring 16 goals in all competitions. His selfless, hard-working style embodies Liverpool’s unity and determination.
Liverpool’s Ruthless Second Half
Liverpool manager Arne Slot with Son Heung-Min after the final whistle. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
Tottenham’s resistance crumbled after the break as Liverpool sensed an opportunity to finish the tie. Salah coolly converted a penalty in the 57th minute after Darwin Núñez was brought down by goalkeeper AntonÃn Kinsky.
Szoboszlai then sealed the victory with a clinical strike, finishing a move started by right-back Conor Bradley.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined, Bradley produced an outstanding display, showcasing the depth of Liverpool’s squad.
Van Dijk put the finishing touch on the performance, heading home from a corner in the closing stages.
The Dutch defender, who scored the winner in last season’s final against Chelsea, remains a crucial figure in Liverpool’s bid for silverware.
Postecoglou’s Trophy Hopes Fade
Tottenham Hotspur’s Head Coach Ange Postecoglou. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
For Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, the loss dealt a significant blow to his hopes of winning silverware this season.
With Spurs exiting the FA Cup early and trailing in the league, their Carabao Cup dreams ended with a whimper.
As Liverpool fans taunted Postecoglou with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning,” many Spurs supporters had already left the stadium, resigned to another trophyless campaign.
Adding to Tottenham’s frustration, Slot—who was linked with the Spurs job after Antonio Conte’s departure in 2023—continues to thrive at Liverpool, strengthening his bond with both the squad and the fans.
After the match, Slot praised his team’s performance, saying:
“It was so intense. The players were ready for it, the fans were ready for it, and we all simply wanted one thing—that was going through to the final. That mentality, we showed it from the first to the last second.”
While Liverpool have already achieved one milestone by reaching the final, Slot and Van Dijk know there is still more to accomplish.
