Lucas Bergvall's goal gives Tottenham advantage against Liverpool in EFL Cup

Tottenham defeated Liverpool in a difficult first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Liverpool was furious that the 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall was on the field to provide the game-winning goal four minutes from time, but he handed Spurs a slim lead to carry to Anfield. In an incident that referee Stuart Attwell did not witness, Bergvall was given a yellow card for lately catching Liverpool player Kostas Tsimikas.

When Bergvall scored a few seconds later, Tsimikas was still off the field. This caused head coach Arne Slot to react angrily and was warned. Spurs earned the victory after Pedro Porro wasted a fantastic opportunity and Dominic Solanke's goal was disallowed for offside, but Liverpool, who only lost twice under Slot, will be angry about the way they won. The closest Liverpool came was when Radu Dragusin cleared replacement Trent Alexander-Arnold's attempt off the line, but the Premier League leaders' performance was incredibly disappointing.

Victory in the first leg! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ktX5W2OTjA

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2025

With Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk in the starting lineup, Slot put together a formidable team. Bergvall had twice caught the keeper in possession, but Liverpool was remarkably careless and uninspired, surviving a close offside when Porro went wide with only Alisson to beat and Solanke's goal was disallowed.

To hold Ibrahima Konate at the side, Dominic Solanke displayed remarkable power and resolve. He then sent a pass into Bergvall's path, who smashed low past Alisson. In stoppage time, Kinsky made an incredible stop to thwart Nunez's deft back flick, giving Postecoglou a night to remember.

Tottenham Hotspur can end trophy drought after 2008

Earlier this season, Tottenham manager Ange Postecolou claimed that he consistently won a trophy in his second season in response to criticism of his attacking strategies and the team’s flailing form. The League Cup is looking to be a chance for Tottenham to break their trophy drought, as the club last won the trophy in 2008. While Liverpool won the League Cup last season under Jurgen Klopp.