Liverpool thrash Spurs to reach record 15th League Cup final

Liverpool has overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to reach the League Cup final, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Anfield. The Reds will now face Newcastle United at Wembley in March as they aim to defend their title and lift consecutive League Cups for the first time since the early 1980s.

Liverpool was relentless from the start, but Tottenham’s defense, bolstered by new signing Kevin Danso, held firm initially. However, the tie was levelled on 34 minutes when Cody Gakpo scored from Mohamed Salah’s delivery. Liverpool continued to pressure Spurs, and Antonín Kinský made a spectacular save to deny Salah’s volley on the stroke of halftime.

The Reds maintained their pressure in the second half, and Salah scored from the spot after Darwin Núñez was brought down in the area. Liverpool then hit the woodwork twice before Conor Bradley slid through Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored the third goal. Tottenham’s misery was compounded as Virgil van Dijk headed in a fourth goal from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner delivery.

The defeat is a significant setback for Tottenham, who had been hoping to reach the final and boost their chances of silverware this season. Manager Ange Postecoglou will be under pressure to deliver results in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League, with his tenure likely to be on thin ice come the end of the campaign.

Liverpool’s victory sets up a thrilling League Cup final against Newcastle United, who reached the final with a win over Arsenal. The Reds will be aiming to lift their 11th League Cup title and defend their crown, while Newcastle will be seeking to end a 56-year wait for a major trophy.

The final is set to take place at Wembley in March and promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with a rich history in the competition. Liverpool’s experience and recent form make them favorites, but Newcastle will be determined to cause an upset and claim their first major trophy in over half a century.