Liverpool Draw Tottenham in Carabao Cup Semi-Finals
Today at 11:10 PM
The Reds take on a volatile Spurs team for the chance to get to the first final in the Arne Slot Era.
Liverpool played a gritty if professional match against Southampton and will be rewarded with a date against Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. This presents an interesting match-up as where Arne Slot's Reds are, at present, the model of stability and consistency, the London side are, well anything but.
On their way to advancing to semis, Spurs played an absolutely breathless (especially for Spurs supporters) match that saw them take what should have been an absolutely impassable lead over Manchester United. But, especially this season, no lead is safe for this Spurs side. And while they never fully gave up the lead - they lead 3-nil, 3-2, and then 4-2 - the final score line of 4-3 only plays into the image of a volatile Spurs team. This is incredibly disconcerting given that United themselves aren't exactly world beaters nor the type one might describe as having resilience.
Liverpool supporters and the club themselves must then see themselves as clear favorites in this two-legged tie. It is a Spurs side that, sure, can push any club on their day. They are also a Spurs side that will never fully shut the door on their opponents until the final whistle blows.
This also makes Sunday's tilt against Ange's men a little more tantalizing: what will slot and his brain trust glean from the tactics on display? It makes for a terrific opportunity to scout the team and get a better feel.
Nothing is ever done and dusted until the match is played; there is, after all, a reason we play the games. But Liverpool's return to form as a club that is expected to keep challenging for trophies is really on the brink. And while some may scoff at this, it would be some achievement for Slot to bring anything home in his first year. Beat Spurs, and he gets his first, best chance.
