5 things we learned from Tottenham’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial first-leg victory against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, taking a lead into the return fixture at Anfield next month.

This win comes amidst a season where Tottenham has been plagued by injuries and suspensions, with ten first-team players unavailable for this match. Despite these challenges, the team delivered a determined performance, earning a clean sheet and a vital victory over the Premier League leaders.

The game began with Tottenham losing Rodrigo Bentancur to a head injury within the first six minutes, further depleting their already stretched squad. Manager Ange Postecoglou, cautious with his limited options, made only two substitutions, one of which replaced Bentancur.

Even with these setbacks, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical discipline. Defensive stalwarts Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin put in commanding performances at the back, nullifying Liverpool’s attacking threats throughout the match.

Djed Spence was a driving force down the flanks, while Pedro Porro’s precision long-range passing played a pivotal role in creating two goal-scoring opportunities, even though one was ruled offside.

In midfield, Yves Bissouma excelled under difficult circumstances, controlling the tempo and winning crucial battles. Lucas Bergvall, one of the younger players in the squad, had a standout performance, scoring the decisive goal and showcasing his immense potential.

Up front, Dominic Solanke once again proved instrumental, consistently dragging Tottenham up the pitch and relieving pressure on the defense. On a night when key attackers Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski had relatively quiet games, the collective effort of the team ensured victory.

Although Tottenham has the advantage heading into the second leg, the job is far from done. Anfield presents a formidable challenge, and Spurs must secure a positive result to book their place in the final. However, the potential return of several injured players by then offers hope for a stronger lineup in the crucial match.

The incident involving Rodrigo Bentancur was a sobering moment in the game. The midfielder suffered a head injury while attempting a diving header in Liverpool’s box, requiring immediate medical attention

He was stretchered off the pitch after a ten-minute delay and was later confirmed to be conscious and speaking, with further checks to be conducted at the hospital. The entire Tottenham community wishes him a speedy and complete recovery.

A significant highlight of the match was the debut of Antonin Kinsky, who joined the club only three days earlier. The 21-year-old goalkeeper was thrust into the spotlight against one of the toughest opponents in European football, yet he handled the pressure with remarkable composure.

His passing from the back was assured, and he made several key saves to secure a clean sheet. Early impressions suggest that Kinsky possesses the temperament and quality needed to thrive at this level, validating Tottenham’s decision to move swiftly for his signature in January.

Lucas Bergvall’s performance marked a potential turning point in his Tottenham career. The teenager, known for his energy and skill, demonstrated his growing maturity with a match-winning display. Despite a moment where he risked a red card earlier in the game, Bergvall maintained his focus and played a pivotal role in the victory.

His relentless running and pressing paid off in the 86th minute when he supported a Dominic Solanke attack and calmly slotted home the winning goal. While still a raw talent, Bergvall’s development under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance could see him become a key player for the club in the future.

This victory against Liverpool underscores Tottenham’s resilience and tactical adaptability under Postecoglou. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and deliver a result against such a formidable opponent speaks volumes about their character and potential.

While the second leg at Anfield looms large, the confidence gained from this performance could prove invaluable as Tottenham aims to reach the Carabao Cup final and end their trophy drought.