Spurs’ simple mistakes and a glaring gulf in midfield quality: Five talking points as Liverpool reach Carabao Cup final | OneFootball

Liverpool are through to the final of the Carabao Cup, overturning a one-goal first-leg deficit to knock Spurs out with a thumping 4-0 win at Anfield.

Cody Gakpo got the first before half-time and Mo Salah added the second from the penalty spot in the second half after goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky had brought down Darwin Nunez.

Dominik Szoboszlai added a deserved third for Arne Slot’s side before Virgil van Dijk completed the scoring with a trademark header.

Here’s five talking points as the Reds set up a final clash with Newcastle at Wembley…

Liverpool were not phased at all

It was to perhaps be expected from a side that has led the Premier League for almost the entirety of the campaign, but Liverpool played the game just like any other one. They approached it in the same manner that has seen them enjoy a phenomenal season under Arne Slot so far, keeping the ball, remaining patient, and then getting their rewards. Many sides would look flustered under the circumstances and occasion but they were anything but. A superb, professional display.

Spurs’ simple mistakes cost them

Liverpool were very good, but Spurs were poor. They looked to adopt a more defensive approach but their quality of passing was woeful at times and allowed Liverpool to sustain pressure on the away side. On so many occasions Postecoglou’s side misplaced simple passes, allowing the Premier League leaders to regain possession. What looked like it could be an unusually solid display from Spurs quickly turned into a toothless showing. They barely laid a glove on Liverpool and did not have a shot on target in the entire game.

Glaring gulf in midfield quality

There was a glaring difference between the two teams all over the pitch but especially in midfield. Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones walked all over the trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma with their energy, movement and speed. Postecoglou had seen enough early in the second half and dragged off Sarr and Bissouma for Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall, but it was too little too late.

Richarlison goes off injured again

It has been a nightmare season for the Brazilian striker. After recently coming back from his second long spell out with injury, Richarlison looks to be set for a third after going off with what looks to be another muscle injury in the first half. He did well in the early stages, holding up the ball, winning fouls and relieving pressure for his side, but he just cannot seem to stay on the pitch which is a real shame.

Difficult debuts for Danso and Tel

It was an incredibly tough game to be thrown in for your debut but Spurs’ injury problems means Postecoglou had little choice. Kevin Danso, who recently arrived on loan from Lens, started in central defence but after a confident start, had a torrid time up against a vastly superior team. The highly anticipated Mathys Tel also got his first taste of action, coming on for the injured Richarlison, but barely got an opportunity to show what he could do.