Talking points as Liverpool thrash Tottenham to reach Carabao Cup final 

Liverpool have booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-final tie. 

The Reds were at their destructive best at Anfield yesterday as they smashed four unanswered goals to seal an emphatic victory against Spurs. 

Arne Slot’s side are now just one win away from claiming the first piece of silverware this season. 

They are sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League, and have also made it through to the Champions League last 16. 

Here are a few talking points from the Carabao Cup match on Thursday. 

Gakpo loves the Carabao Cup  

Cody Gakpo has been enjoying an excellent campaign, with the forward notching 15 goals and registering seven assists in all competitions so far. His performances have been particularly impressive in the Carabao Cup this season. 

Gakpo opened the scoring for Liverpool in Thursday’s fixture, drilling home Mohamed Salah’s clever pass after Darwin Nunez missed it. His latest strike means he has now registered five goals in four Carabao Cup matches this term. Manager Slot later praised Gakpo in his interview, saying the winger is enjoying a “special” season.   

Van Dijk’s sensational display 

Virgil van Dijk has turned 33 but it seems age is having no effect on the Dutchman. He put in a masterclass display against Spurs, receiving 8/10 rating from the Express. 

Van Dijk was solid in defence and dominated most exchanges. He also bagged Liverpool’s fourth goal with a superb header to wrap up the win. The experienced centre-back had 76 touches and completed 93% of his passes, with two clearances and a tackle to his name as well.   

Difficult debuts for Danso and Tel 

The ongoing injury crisis at Tottenham meant the club desperately needed to bring in some reinforcements. They were successful in securing  a permanent move for Antonin Kinsky, while Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso also arrived on loan from Bayern Munich and Lens respectively. 

Danso made his Spurs’ debut yesterday, but the Austrian endured a torrid game against the Reds. Tel also got his first taste of action for the Lilywhites, replacing the injured Richarlison on the stroke of half-time. And though he showed plenty of energy, the 19-year-old failed to make an impact for his side. 

Stats from Sofascore