Salah and Gakpo Star as Liverpool Sweep Spurs Aside in Semi-final | OneFootball

Liverpool 4 – 0 Tottenham (4-1 agg) EFL Cup Semifinal 2nd Leg Player Ratings

The night after Newcastle booked their Wembley place in the EFL Cup final saw Liverpool host Spurs, as they looked to overcome a one-goal deficit from the first leg of this second semifinal. Arsenal were eliminated by the Geordies following of 4-0 aggregate defeat, something which the Reds would have been desperate to avoid themselves.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

The backup Irish stopper was anonymous in the first half as he had no shots on target to deal with.

After the restart, the £30m rated keeper was able to push a near post effort behind as his first real fast of action. Did well to stand up to Son who struck the bar from close range.

Conor Bradley – 8.0

The Irish superstar started the game with zest and passion, as he rampaged up and down the flank with intent. A ferocious tackle on Son in the latter stages of the half was a standout moment which the Anfield faithful applauded eagerly.

In the second half, the young fullback was again full of enthusiasm as he defined his zone with aggression. A very good assist for the third Liverpool goal.

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international skipper was a constant outlet and though his delivery wasn’t always on point, his work rate in either half could not be questioned.

After the halftime break, the veteran was steady and produced some good corners within a solid defensive and offensive display.

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The France international defender was impenetrable as he remained assured and resolute within a firm first-half showing.

Following the break, the towering centre-back was alert and used his physicality to repel Spurs attacks.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0

The captain and leader of this team was bullish from the off and commanded the rearguard with supremacy in a polished first-half showing.

In the second period of the game, the former Celtic man was calm and composed as he marshalled against a more attacking opponent in the second period. Scored a powerful header to rubber-stamp their route to Wembley.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Duch midfielder was always an outlet and able to carry the ball out of the right spaces. In the final third, the Netherlands international was able to break the line and nearly scored after a superb run into the opposition box.

After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was unlucky not to score as he hit the post from a good effort.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0

The Hungarian skipper was full of running and intent within a powerful first half. His early goal was chalked off for offside as he showed a willingness to break beyond the last man within the Spurs rearguard.

In the second 45 minutes, the former RB Leipzig star was lively and scored the Red’s third goal with a clinical low strike.

Curtis Jones – 7.0

The England under 21 European Championships winner was the controlling midfielder of the Reds engine room and remained intelligent throughout, as the first half was about remaining patient.

In the second half of this game, the former academy graduate was steady and positionally disciplined.

Subbed – 70 mins

Darwin Núñez – 7.0

The Uruguayan attacker started as the centre forward and though his final product was often slightly off, his endeavour to work for his team was unmistakable. A good header on goal was easily saved midway through the first half.

After the restart, the former Benfica man was able to push back the Tottenham defence and work opportunities for Mohamed Salah outside him. Won the penalty with a powerful run.

Subbed – 70 mins

Cody Gakpo – 9.0

The Dutch forward started on the left of an attacking front three and was always looking to test his marker and move inside with the ball. His goal was another show of how his potency has increased as he struck on goal to break the second leg deadlock

After the halftime break, the former PSV man was keen to test the keeper and saw one superb strike pushed onto the far post.

Subbed – 81 mins

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was delightful in his want to provide as he took up a wide position that allowed him and his teammates room to manoeuvre. The first goal by Gakpo was due to the superb pass by the former Roma man, as Salah drifted a pass through a melee of players with the outside of his famous left boot. The creation of the disallowed goal was also due to his sublime vision and pass in a superb first half of attacking intent.

After the intermission, the record-breaking goalscorer was able to dispatch a wonderful penalty after laying in the inch-perfect pass which ended in Darwin being fouled in the penalty area. A continuing effort to look unplayable was in effect and earlier in the half his low shot was edged around the post.

Subbed – 81 mins

Man of the match

Substitutions;

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0 (on 70)

Came on to aid the third goal and assist the fourth.

Diogo Jota – 6.0 (on 70)

Came on to add a different dimension.

Luis Díaz – 6.0 (on 81)

Came on to add energy and nearly scored with a glancing header.

Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 81)

Came on to add guile.

Jarell Quansah 6.0 (on 85)

Came on to allow his skipper a test.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 10.0

The Dutch manager picked a slightly rotated side as he balanced the frenetic fixture schedule whilst naming a strong starting eleven.

The second-half substitutions were well-timed and effective against an opponent which was painfully outmatched.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 3 – 1 Tottenham