‘Majestic’ Liverpool Star Stole the Show Again in 4-0 Win Over Tottenham Hotspur | OneFootball

Liverpool Cruise Past Tottenham Hotspur to Secure Carabao Cup Final Spot

Liverpool’s journey under Arne Slot continues to gather momentum as they cruised past Tottenham Hotspur to book their place in the Carabao Cup final. In a recent episode of Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick and Trev Downey dissected every aspect of this impressive performance, highlighting the relentless energy and tactical execution that have become trademarks of this Liverpool side.

Dominance from Start to Finish

From the get-go, Liverpool showcased their superiority. “We’ve been relentless since the go,” Trev Downey pointed out, summing up a first half where Tottenham struggled to keep pace. The Reds’ midfield, often the heart of their game, was particularly dominant. Dave Hendrick praised Ryan Gravenberch’s performance, saying, “When he’s playing on the front foot, it’s majestic. There are not many players who can glide into space and move with the strength he has.”

Curtis Jones also received recognition for his physical presence. “He just went and took the ball off their lads,” Dave noted, referring to Jones’ ability to dominate Tottenham’s midfielders physically. Both Gravenberch and Jones have grown into their roles, embodying the robust style that has come to define Liverpool under Slot.

Cody Gakpo’s Striking Ability Shines

One of the standout performers of the match was Cody Gakpo, whose striking ability left both hosts in awe. “He strikes the ball as cleanly as anyone in the Premier League,” Trev said. Comparing Gakpo’s shooting style to Mohamed Salah’s, Dave added, “When Mo cuts in, the ball dips into the top corner. But when Cody does it, the ball is still rising when it hits the top corner.”

Photo: IMAGO

The analysis went beyond just his goal-scoring prowess. Gakpo’s physicality has noticeably improved, a change that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the podcast hosts. “When he first came to the Premier League, he was a little bit soft,” Dave explained. “Now he’s learning how to use his body to maintain possession and open space for himself.”

Darwin Núñez’s All-Round Contribution

While Gakpo’s goals stole the spotlight, Darwin Núñez’s all-round contribution was equally significant. “Darwin tonight was absolutely fantastic in terms of his application,” Trev remarked. His defensive contributions were particularly notable, with Dave adding, “He’s one of our most reliable defensive headers of the ball now.”

However, Dave didn’t shy away from critiquing Núñez’s primary role as a goal scorer. “It’s just unfortunate that the one aspect we bought him to do—putting the ball in the net—hasn’t improved as much.” Despite this, the Uruguayan’s defensive efforts and movement off the ball show a player developing in multiple facets of the game.

The Road Ahead: Newcastle Awaits in the Final

Liverpool now set their sights on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final. The Magpies, starved of success since the 1950s, will be desperate to lift the trophy, but Liverpool enter the match as favourites. “It’s not the worst opposition you’d pick,” Dave admitted, acknowledging Newcastle’s struggles despite their resurgence under Eddie Howe.

Looking ahead, Dave outlined the significance of the upcoming fixtures. “If we roll through those five games and go into that final with five victories behind us, I honestly don’t think psychologically anyone takes it off us.” This confidence stems from Liverpool’s recent form and their ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Photo: IMAGO

Mo Salah’s Unstoppable Form

No discussion about Liverpool would be complete without mentioning Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian continues to defy expectations with his incredible consistency. “It’s Mo Salah’s 10th game this season with at least one goal and assist,” Dave highlighted. Trev added, “He has 44 goals and assists this season in about 2,900 minutes, which is utterly ridiculous.”

The podcast hosts also touched on Salah’s future at Liverpool, urging the club to secure his services for the long term. “Ensure that he’s happy, do the same with Virgil,” Dave insisted, stressing the importance of retaining the club’s key players.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semi-final is a testament to Arne Slot’s tactical acumen and the team’s relentless spirit. With standout performances from Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez, and Ryan Gravenberch, and the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah leading the charge, the Reds look poised for silverware. As Dave Hendrick aptly put it, “We’re in Arne Slot’s first final, and I have this gorgeous feeling that the treble could be on the cards.”