Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham

Carabao Cup Round 3 — Match Report

A break from Premier League action gave both Liverpool and Tottenham the opportunity to build some confidence and momentum in the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool have had an inconsistent start to the Premier League season, but Tottenham’s opening to the campaign has been even more difficult, with Spurs still searching for their first goal of the new season.

With both managers making several changes to their starting line-ups, tonight was also an opportunity for some of the less experienced players to step up, handle the pressure and show they can perform at the highest level.

First Half

2 mins — Tottenham start brightly

Tottenham have started the brighter of the two sides. Liverpool look a little unsettled, with some sloppy passes and touches allowing Spurs to pounce on mistakes.

It has been a nervous opening from Liverpool, particularly with several youngsters being given an opportunity tonight.

5 mins — Liverpool settle

Tottenham are still enjoying the better start, but Liverpool are slowly beginning to get more comfortable on the ball.

Their passing is becoming sharper and they’re starting to build attacks rather than simply reacting to Tottenham’s pressure.

And then the heavens open!

The rain is absolutely pouring down at Anfield, which could make things interesting — particularly for both goalkeepers.

10 mins — Tottenham dominating midfield

Tottenham look sharp, particularly in midfield.

Gallagher, Bergvall and Bentancur are controlling possession, moving the ball quickly into wide areas or attempting to drive through Liverpool’s midfield.

Liverpool’s younger players are finding it difficult to deal with Tottenham’s experience, with Spurs pressing the mistakes and then controlling possession once they win the ball back.

11 mins — HUGE CHANCE!

Tottenham work the ball into the left-hand side, with Tel attacking the space before cutting the ball across to a completely unmarked Lucas Bergvall.

Bergvall strikes first time…

WHAT A SAVE FROM GIORGI MAMARDASHVILI!

The Liverpool goalkeeper reacts brilliantly to keep the score at 0-0.

Bergvall really should have done better, though. If he places that effort into either corner, Tottenham are 1-0 up.

15 mins — Tottenham frustrated

Tottenham are certainly the happier side at this stage.

They’ve dominated possession, created the better chances and caused Liverpool plenty of problems.

What will frustrate their manager is that all that dominance hasn’t resulted in a goal.

16 mins — Liverpool respond

Koumas comes close after a fabulous through ball sends him into the box.

He doesn’t get the cleanest strike away, but it’s an important moment for Liverpool.

That chance could give the Reds confidence because it proves Tottenham’s defence can be attacked.

20 mins — Liverpool growing into the game

Liverpool are beginning to take control.

They’re keeping the ball for longer periods and building attacks with more confidence.

The Anfield crowd are in excellent voice tonight, and if Liverpool can create more opportunities, the supporters will certainly help drive them forward.

21 mins — GOALLLLL! Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham

ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER! WHAT A GOAL!

A route-one ball is played forward towards Gakpo, who drives inside before finding Rio Ngumoha out wide.

Rio spots Mac Allister arriving on the edge of the box and lays the ball into his path.

Mac Allister takes one touch before curling a magnificent effort beyond the Tottenham goalkeeper.

Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham.

Tottenham will be furious.

They dominated the opening stages but suddenly find themselves behind.

Spurs now need to finally break their goal drought if they’re going to keep their Carabao Cup campaign alive.

25 mins — Tottenham still dominating possession

Tottenham continue to see plenty of the ball.

They’re moving it into midfield before switching play out wide, and that approach is working.

The problem is the final third.

The quality simply hasn’t been there when it matters most.

Liverpool are also giving away a few unnecessary free kicks, allowing Tottenham opportunities from set pieces.

So far Spurs haven’t made enough of those situations, but the more opportunities they get, the more likely one will eventually cause Liverpool serious problems.

30 mins — Both managers will want more

Tottenham’s manager will be frustrated despite the positive football. His side are dominating large periods of the game but desperately need more quality in the final third.

Liverpool’s manager will be pleased with the 1-0 lead, but there will also be a desire to see his side control possession better and allow the more experienced players to dictate the tempo.

32 mins — Tottenham miss another huge chance

Another brilliant counter-attack from Tottenham down the left.

A perfect cross comes into the box and Kudus gets in front of his defender.

He should score.

But somehow he misses the target completely!

That sums up Tottenham’s night so far.

They’ve created opportunities but haven’t shown enough quality in front of goal.

35 mins — Open game

We’re approaching the end of the first half and the game is becoming much more open.

I’d still say Tottenham have been the better side in possession, but Liverpool look more likely to score again.

38 mins — Liverpool youngsters growing in confidence

Rio and Lewis Koumas are beginning to grow into the game.

The early nerves appear to have disappeared and they’re taking more risks, running at Tottenham’s defence and putting Spurs under pressure.

Tottenham are also starting to look a little sloppy when attempting to play out from the back.

41 mins — Defences hold firm

Nothing major has happened over the last few minutes.

Both sides are developing attacks, but the respective defences are doing a good job of cancelling them out.

It feels as though both teams are now looking towards half-time.

Tottenham remain firmly in the game, but they need to regroup at the break.

HALF-TIME: Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham

Half-time thoughts

Liverpool: They’re ahead and have looked dangerous when attacking, but they haven’t controlled the ball enough. Tottenham have created the better chances and, with more quality in the final third, could easily have been ahead.

Tottenham: The biggest issue is the final third. They’ve dominated possession and created chances but haven’t taken them. They need to tighten up defensively, keep believing and be much more ruthless after the break.

Second Half

Liverpool make a change at the break, bringing on more experience as they look to manage the game.

Tottenham have to be more open now if they want to find an equaliser, but that also creates space for Liverpool to exploit.

50 mins — Physical opening

The first five minutes of the second half have been physical.

Both teams are fighting to win possession but neither has created a clear-cut opportunity yet.

It’s a better start from Liverpool than we saw at the beginning of the match.

Tottenham continue to play out from the back, but Liverpool’s high press is causing problems.

Spurs can string passes together, but they’re struggling to sustain their attacks before eventually losing possession.

53 mins — GOALLLLL! Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham

CODY GAKPO! WHAT A FINISH!

Gakpo receives the ball on the left-hand side, slightly inside the penalty area.

He cuts inside, pushes the ball onto his stronger foot and unleashes a stunning curling effort into the far corner.

Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham.

That is the difference in this match.

One team is showing quality when opportunities arrive.

The other is still struggling to find the back of the net.

57 mins — A special reception at Anfield

Andy Robertson comes on and receives an incredible ovation from the Anfield crowd.

The Liverpool supporters sing the former Reds defender’s name, creating a genuinely heartwarming moment.

I’m sure Robertson will have appreciated that reception.

Now the question is whether he can provide Tottenham with the quality they need in the final third through his crossing and passing.

60 mins — Liverpool in control

Gakpo’s goal has put Liverpool into something of cruise control.

But they cannot switch off.

There’s still plenty of time remaining and Tottenham only need one goal to give themselves belief.

61 mins — Tottenham come close again

Another opportunity for Tottenham.

It’s a warning sign for Liverpool.

A fantastic chance looks to have opened up, but once again Mamardashvili produces an excellent save.

The goalkeeper has been a spectator for long periods, but when he’s been called upon, he’s delivered.

Liverpool now turn to more experience, with Szoboszlai and Gravenberch introduced to help control the match.

The fresh legs and experience immediately help Liverpool dominate possession.

68 mins — GOALLLLL! Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham

CONOR GALLAGHER!

Something out of nothing!

And finally, Tottenham’s goal drought is over.

From a corner, Gallagher makes a run towards the back post and finds himself completely free.

It’s a simple header into the net.

Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham.

GAME ON!

Liverpool have failed to maintain their concentration and Tottenham now have a sniff.

There are around 20 minutes remaining and this suddenly feels like a completely different game.

For the neutral, this is exactly what you want.

Tottenham will now throw everything at Liverpool.

Gallagher deserves huge credit, too. Despite Tottenham struggling, he has been one of their standout performers, dominating midfield, winning tackles and helping Spurs move forward.

It’s fitting that he’s the man who finally ended their goal drought.

73 mins — Liverpool trying to slow the game down

Liverpool are attempting to take the sting out of the game and prevent Tottenham from building momentum.

Spurs are beginning to believe again.

74 mins — Maddison enters

Kudus makes way for James Maddison.

Tottenham are looking for creativity.

Personally, I’d have liked to see Maddison introduced earlier because his quality could unlock Liverpool’s defence, but he now has around 15 minutes to make an impact.

77 mins — Tottenham still asking questions

Even though Tottenham are behind, they’ve arguably been the better side in terms of possession.

The problem is turning that possession into clear-cut chances.

Now that they’ve brought more quality onto the pitch, can Spurs find the opening they need?

Liverpool’s defence is being asked plenty of questions, but so far they’re holding firm.

Tottenham’s manager will be disappointed if they lose, but there are plenty of positives to take from the performance.

They’ve dominated possession and created opportunities.

With more quality in the final third, the result could have been very different.

The performance can give Tottenham confidence heading back into the Premier League.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will be pleased with the scoreline, but there are still concerns.

They’ve looked dangerous and sharp in spells, but at other times they’ve looked flat and allowed Tottenham to create too many good chances.

Against a team with even more quality in front of goal, Liverpool could have been punished.

83 mins — Liverpool hanging on

The game is becoming scrappy.

The Liverpool supporters are getting increasingly anxious as they cling onto their lead.

This is certainly not the cruise control we saw when Liverpool were 2-0 ahead.

Tottenham are asking questions every time they get forward.

85 mins — HUGE SAVE!

OMAR MARMOUSH GOES CLOSE!

A powerful effort from close range inside the box looks destined for the net.

But once again…

MAMARDASHVILI!

Another glorious save from the Liverpool goalkeeper.

He has been outstanding tonight and has undoubtedly kept Liverpool in this game.

What a debut performance.

88 mins — Is there another goal?

There still feels like there’s another huge moment coming.

I’m not convinced this game is finishing 2-1.

We’re approaching the 90th minute, so now we wait to see how much additional time will be played.

90 mins — GOALLLLLL! Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham

And as I type that…

LIVERPOOL HAVE SCORED!

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI! WHAT A GOAL!

The ball loops towards Szoboszlai around 25 yards from goal.

He brings it down on his chest before striking it perfectly with his laces.

The shot flies into the top corner.

Absolutely sensational.

Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham.

Game, set and match.

I called another goal — and thankfully for Liverpool, it has gone their way!

The Reds are heading through to Round 4 of the Carabao Cup.

FULL-TIME: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham

Final Analysis

Liverpool

Liverpool haven’t necessarily been the better footballing side tonight, but they’ve shown the difference that quality in front of goal can make.

Three dangerous attacks.

Three excellent finishes.

Three goals.

However, there is still plenty for Liverpool to work on.

They allowed Tottenham to create too many excellent opportunities and, on another night, they could have been punished.

Liverpool will be delighted to progress, but consistency across 90 minutes remains something they’ll need to improve.

Tottenham

Tottenham can take positives from this despite the defeat.

They dominated possession for large periods, created several excellent chances and finally ended their goal drought.

The major issue was the final third.

If Tottenham had shown more quality and ruthlessness in front of goal, this could have been a very different result.

Instead, Liverpool showed them how it is done: create the opportunity, take the chance and punish the opposition.

The goal drought is finally over, though, and Tottenham can take that confidence into their Premier League campaign.

Man of the Match: Giorgi Mamardashvili

For me, Giorgi Mamardashvili deserves the Man of the Match award.

He was brilliant when called upon.

For large periods he was almost a spectator, but whenever Tottenham created a serious opportunity, Mamardashvili produced the goods.

The saves from Bergvall, Marmoush and Tottenham’s other chances were crucial.

For a debut performance in front of the Anfield crowd, he couldn’t have asked for much more.

Liverpool have a goalkeeper who looks ready to step up when required.

Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham

Liverpool progress to the Carabao Cup Round 4.

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