In a pulsating Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, Tottenham Hotspur stunned Liverpool with a dramatic late 1-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Lucas Bergvall’s 86th minute strike proved decisive, sparking fury from the Reds over the Swedish midfielder avoiding a second yellow card moments earlier. The hard-fought win gives Spurs a slender advantage heading into the return leg at Anfield.
Kinsky Shines on Debut
All eyes were on 21-year-old keeper Antonin Kinsky as he made his Spurs debut, having arrived from Slavia Prague just days ago. Despite a couple frisky moments, the Czech youngster put in an assured display, keeping a clean sheet and making a stunning late save to deny Darwin Nunez. His distribution and command of the area were impressive.
Kinsky’s opposite number Alisson was also called into action, tipping a fierce Dejan Kulusevski shot over the bar in the first half. The two keepers ensured the game remained deadlocked until the dying minutes.
Bergvall – Hero and Villain
Lucas Bergvall proved to be Tottenham’s match-winner, but not without controversy. The 19-year-old Swede, who ran tirelessly all game, was booked in the 68th minute for a lunge on Luis Diaz.
Then in the 85th minute, Bergvall caught Kostas Tsimikas with a sliding challenge that many felt warranted a second yellow. VAR did not intervene as it cannot be used for yellow card incidents, much to Liverpool’s chagrin.
Salt was rubbed in the wound a minute later as Bergvall swept home what proved to be the winner after tenacious work by Dominic Solanke. Cue celebrations from the home fans and apoplexy from Jurgen Klopp on the touchline.
It was quite obvious there was gonna be a second yellow. Everyone on the sideline knew it. Listen, he made a mistake in my opinion and I told him that.
Virgil van Dijk’s post-match reaction
Spurs Ride Their Luck
Tottenham were perhaps fortunate to finish the game with 11 men, and they also benefitted from a marginal offside call that denied Solanke a goal against his former club in the 76th minute.
Spurs had the better chances overall though, with Pedro Porro spurning a glorious opportunity after more Bergvall pressing forced Alisson into an error. The Spaniard lifted his shot over Alisson but agonizingly wide of the post.
Advantage Tottenham, But Tie Delicately Poised
A 1-0 home win is an ideal result for Spurs to take to Anfield, but Ange Postecoglou will know the job is far from done. Liverpool, despite struggling to create clear chances, showed enough to suggest they can overturn the deficit on home soil.
Much may depend on how Spurs’ young guns Bergvall, Kinsky and 18-year-old center-back William Gray handle the atmosphere of a raucous Anfield. If they can hold their nerve, a first trophy for Postecoglou could beckon.
Key Takeaways
- Impressive debuts: Kinsky and Gray underline Spurs’ talented youth crop
- Huge moment for Bergvall: Winner caps all-action display, but lucky to stay on
- Liverpool frustrated: Reds fume at officials but must improve end product
- All to play for: Fascinating 2nd leg in store with Spurs holding slender lead
The Carabao Cup may not be the biggest prize on offer, but these two sides served up a semi-final first leg full of incident, controversy and talking points. The return fixture promises to be just as enthralling as Liverpool seek to overturn the deficit and Spurs look to hold firm. Tune in on January 25th to see how this engrossing battle plays out.
