Liverpool crush Tottenham to secure Carabao Cup final spot

Liverpool have stormed into the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, overturning their 1-0 deficit from the first leg in emphatic fashion. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk sealed a dominant win for Arne Slot’s side, as Spurs failed to cope with Liverpool’s relentless pressure.

Gakpo strikes as Liverpool take control

Liverpool entered the match needing to overturn Tottenham’s narrow first-leg lead, and they wasted little time imposing themselves on the game. Despite a frantic start with few clear chances, the Reds' high tempo and intensity soon paid off. In the 34th minute, Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock, reacting quickest at the back post to smash home his 16th goal of the season. The forward’s strike brought the aggregate score level, sending Anfield into a frenzy. Liverpool nearly doubled their lead before halftime, with Mohamed Salah seeing a spectacular volley tipped onto the crossbar by Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Just before the break, Spurs suffered another setback as Richarlison was forced off injured, making way for Mathys Tel, who made his debut after joining on loan from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool dominate after the break

Tottenham struggled to get a foothold in the match, and their task became even tougher early in the second half. Just six minutes after the restart, Darwin Núñez was brought down by Kinsky in the penalty area, leading to a spot-kick. Salah stepped up and made no mistake, dispatching his penalty into the top corner to put Liverpool 2-0 up on the night and ahead on aggregate. With Spurs needing to respond, their attacking intent increased slightly, but they never truly threatened Liverpool’s defense. Instead, the hosts continued to pile on the pressure. In the 75th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai put the tie beyond doubt with a superb goal, making it 3-0 and sending Liverpool cruising toward the final. Virgil van Dijk added the finishing touch in the 79th minute, heading home from a corner to make it 4-0. The Dutch captain then made way for Jarell Quansah in the closing stages as Slot used the final minutes to rest key players, with Luis Díaz, Harvey Elliott, and Alexis Mac Allister also coming off the bench.

Liverpool set up final showdown with Newcastle

The final whistle confirmed an emphatic turnaround for Liverpool, who will now face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on March 16 at Wembley. The Magpies booked their spot after a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal, setting up an intriguing showdown between two of England’s top sides. Liverpool will now look to lift the Carabao Cup for a record-extending 10th time, while Newcastle aim to end their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. With both teams in strong form, the final promises to be a thrilling contest.