Robertson flops, Salah incredible: Liverpool player ratings as Tottenham thrashed
Liverpool cruised into the final of the Carabao Cup as they took the defence of their title to the last hurdle with a dominant win over Tottenham, in which Mo Salah shone again.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg following Lucas Bergvall’s controversial opener for Tottenham, Arne Slot and his side started Thursday night’s (6 February) game playing catch-up.
However, they would take the lead to level up the tie up with 34 minutes on the clock, as Cody Gakpo produced a brilliant first time finish from a Mo Salah cross.
Shortly after half-time Salah would become the scorer himself, blasting in from the penalty spot to put Liverpool ahead.
That had been spot kick won when the Egyptian himself had produced some excellent work to play Nunez in, who was brought down by Tottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky.
Liverpool then all but sealed the tie with 15 minutes of normal time remaining, when Conor Bradley darted to the edge of the area before setting up Szoboszlai to finish clinically for their third.
That was then put beyond any doubt when Virgil van Dijk headed in a corner from substitute Alexis Mac Allister to make it 4-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
Cody Gakpo sends Liverpool on the way to Wembley in Carabao Cup final
Here’s how Football Insider rated the performance of the Liverpool side in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Tottenham.
Caoimhin Kelleher 5
Brought in for what he will feel was some welcome game time, but had very little to do as his side pushed to turn the tie around.
Conor Bradley 8
A bright showing from the right-back filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, defensively solid and consistently looked a threat going forward, as proven with his assist for the third goal.
Ibrahima Konate 6
An easy night at the centre of defence for the Frenchman, who never really looked like he had too much to worry about.
Virgil van Dijk (off for Quansah, ’87) 7
The Liverpool captain was lucky not to be punished for an elbow on Richarlison early on but was for the most part defensively solid after that. Good header for the fourth goal.
Andy Robertson 5
Didn’t feel anywhere near as influential from open play as Bradley on the opposite flank, but did send in some inviting corners.
Ryan Gravenberch 7
Reliable as he has been all season in the centre of the park, had a good effort from range hit the post in the second half.
Mohamed Salah shines again for Liverpool at Anfield
Curtis Jones (off for Mac Allister, ’72) 6
Brought into the starting XI and did a solid job in the centre of the park, helping to get his side forward at times.
Mo Salah (off for Elliott, ’82) 9 – Man of the Match
Sensational. A brilliant assist for the opener, stunning work to play Nunez in to win the penalty, which he then converted emphatically himself. Now, Liverpool will want confirmation of a new contract for Salah.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
Had a goal ruled out for offside early on but took his chance well in the second-half to make it 3-1 on aggregate and seal the tie.
Cody Gakpo (off for Diaz, ’82) 8
Not for the first time this season came up with a big goal to open the scoring on the night, and continued to look a threat throughout. The big surprise of the season. Did anyone see this stunning turnaround coming?
Darwin Nunez (off for Jota, ’72) 6
Did well to make the run that won the penalty from which Liverpool went in front, but couldn’t take a chance to get on the scoresheet himself.
Arne Slot’s substitutes see things out vs Ange Postecoglou
Diogo Jota (on for Nunez, ’72) 5
Missed a good chance to get on the scoresheet later on where many would have expected him to do better.
Alexis Mac Allister (on for Jones, ’72) 7
Mac Allister dropped the bench a close call at Bournemouth over the weekend but placed a corner perfectly onto the head of Van Dijk for the fourth goal of the evening.
Harvey Elliott (on for Salah, ’82) 7
A lively cameo after his late introduction, with some eye-catching touches, one of which set up Jota for a big opportunity.
Luis Diaz (on for Gakpo, ’82) 6
On late with the game and tie already comfortably in the bag for an easy few minutes on the pitch so didn’t see a great deal of the ball.
Jarell Quansah (on for Van Dijk, ’87) 5
A brief run out for the centre-back, no doubt to protect Van Dijk and give him a breather more than anything else.