Tottenham will carry a 1-0 advantage into next month’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool, courtesy of Lucas Bergvall’s second-half winner.
There will be plenty of debate over whether the young Swede should have had the opportunity to score the decisive goal, but Spurs fully deserved their first-leg victory on Wednesday night.
For the second consecutive match, Liverpool were below their best, but they are far from out of the tie, with an exciting second leg set for Anfield next month.
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How the Game Unfolded
Arne Slot surprised some by fielding a near full-strength team on Wednesday night, given the heavy schedule his side has endured over the past month. A break should come this weekend against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, before the league leaders travel to Nottingham Forest.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman made four changes from the side that triumphed 6-3 at home before Christmas, with most of the alterations coming in defense.
Ange Postecoglou also named a strong lineup given the circumstances, handing a debut to new arrival Antonin Kinsky in goal. South Korean Yang Min-hyeok was named on the bench.
Radu Dragusin forced a smart save from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson in the early stages, but Tottenham’s momentum was interrupted by a nasty head/neck injury sustained by Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan was stretchered off after an extended stoppage, though he was later reported to be conscious.