Liverpool will face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final after a 4-0 win over Tottenham, overturning their 1-0 defeat in the first leg, thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk.
The Egyptian was first provider as his lofted ball into the box went all the way through to Gakpo at the back post, who made no mistake with a confident first-time finish.
Then Salah had a chance to put the hosts into the lead for the first time in the semi-final, after Darwin Nunez was brought down by goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Salah made no mistake from the penalty spot as he found the top corner, sending Anfield into raptures.
Szoboszlai then put the outcome beyond doubt, with Liverpool‘s place at Wembley all-but secured when he raced onto Conor Bradley’s pass and tucked an effort past the goalkeeper. The rout was then completed when Van Dijk crashed a header home at a corner.
Here’s how Express Sport rated the Liverpool side in tonight’s semi-final.
Liverpool player ratings vs Tottenham (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
Had little to do in terms of shot-stopping, but distributed the ball well.
Defence
Conor Bradley – 8
Stepping in for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bradley burst forward at every possible opportunity and had the Anfield crowd on its feet for a crunching tackle on Son Heung-min. Did well to drive at the Spurs backline to set up a chance for Nunez, which hit the side-netting.
Archie Gray was in all sorts of trouble for Liverpool‘s third, as Bradley switched up his run to come inside and play Szoboszlai in to finish. Another audition passed as the potential heir to Alexander-Arnold.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
For the second game in a row the Frenchman’s nervous passing has invited pressure, but he marshalled the Spurs attack comfortably.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Involved in an early scrap when his elbow caught Richarlison’s face and the Brazilian striker called for a punishment that never arrived.
The captain dominated most exchanges and after being encouraged to join the attack on several occasions, was more than happy to get involved, adding the fourth by rising highest to meet Alexis Mac Allister’s corner on the 80th minute.
Andy Robertson – 7
Handled Spurs’ star man this season Dejan Kulusevski well and linked up with Gakpo on the wing superbly on numerous occasions. Knows that performances have to be at this level with Kostas Tsimikas breathing down his neck.
Midfield
Curtis Jones – 6
Brought in for Mac Allister in one of several surprises by Slot and took up a similar role alongside Ryan Gravenberch, allowing Szoboszlai the freedom to roam forward. His defensive acumen has certainly improved this season.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Gravenberch’s ability to win loose balls directly resulted in Gakpo’s opener, having pounced on Spurs’ possession before the ball fell to Salah and then the in-form left-winger.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
Clearly making more of an effort to step up his goals and assists tally, with several blocked shots from inside the area as he found space well, while also covering plenty of ground against a tiresome Spurs midfield. He did get his goal after a good run from Bradley, finishing well under pressure.
Attack
Mohamed Salah – 9
Was denied what would have been a delightful assist if Szoboszlai was not offside on the 30-minute mark, but got his reward shortly after when a lofted ball into the area ended up at Gakpo’s feet to fire past Kinsky.
Djed Spence has been a difficult opponent to get the better of since he was introduced into the Spurs backline, but Salah is no average winger and tormented the left-back. There was no doubting the Reds’ talisman when he stepped up to the spot, despatching his penalty with relative ease.
His passing continues to be just as troublesome for defences as his prowess in front of goal. That double threat is propelling Liverpool to serious heights this season.
Darwin Nunez – 8
Given a chance from the start as Slot gambled with the Uruguayan wildcard over Luis Diaz and he was typically lively throughout, rewarding his head coach’s trust in spades.
A force in both boxes, with his head coach applauding Nunez’s efforts in defending corners, his presence allowed Salah’s cross to make its way to the other end of the box for Gakpo’s first-time finish. His constant running in behind was worthwhile after latching onto a touch from Salah ahead of Kinsky, winning a penalty which was successfully converted.
Cody Gakpo – 8
Took his goal extremely well, with little space to work with, and created countless chances for his team-mates. That’s five goals in four Carabao Cup games this season for the Netherlands international, more than any other player this season. Nearly added to that tally on the hour mark when Kinsky tipped his stinging effort onto the post.
Substitutes
Alexis Mac Allister (72′) – 7
It wasn’t an easy sight for the visitors when Liverpool were able to call upon Mac Allister and Diogo Jota off the bench. The stark contrast highlights the dire situation Spurs are in, with the Argentine on to calmly see out the win. Got his assist from a superbly delivered corner, which was met by the towering Van Dijk.
Diogo Jota (72′) – 6
A lively and encouraging cameo on his return from injury.
Luis Diaz (82′) – N/A
Harvey Elliott (82′) – N/A
Jarrell Quansah (86′) – N/A
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