Teenager Lucas Bergvall stunned Liverpool with a decisive late goal as Tottenham clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
A Controversial Winner
Bergvall, an 18-year-old debutant, scored his first goal for Tottenham in the 86th minute, but the goal came under controversial circumstances. Liverpool boss Arne Slot was incensed that Bergvall was still on the pitch, having narrowly escaped a second yellow card moments earlier for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas.
The foul left Tsimikas out of position, enabling Tottenham to exploit the left flank in a move that culminated in Bergvall’s low finish past Alisson Becker.
Early Concern for Bentancur
Tottenham’s victory was overshadowed by a worrying injury to Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan midfielder collapsed unchallenged in the seventh minute after stooping to head a corner.
Medical attention was swiftly administered, with play halted for nine minutes as Bentancur was given oxygen. The 27-year-old was taken to the hospital, but Tottenham later confirmed that he was conscious and talking.
Bentancur’s return to action had already been marked by controversy, having recently served a seven-game ban for using a racial slur about teammate Son Heung-min.
Tottenham’s Silverware Aspirations
The League Cup presents an opportunity for Tottenham to end their 17-year trophy drought, with their last triumph coming in 2008. Ange Postecoglou, under pressure following inconsistent Premier League form, will hope to deliver on his earlier claim of always winning silverware in his second season.
The Australian manager handed a debut to goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, signed from Slavia Prague in a £12 million deal. The 21-year-old impressed with a series of crucial saves, notably denying Darwin Nunez’s back-flick in stoppage time.
Liverpool’s Rare Misstep
Liverpool, led by Dutch manager Arne Slot, have been in formidable form this season, topping the Premier League and Champions League tables. However, this defeat marked only their second loss in 24 matches across all competitions.
Despite making changes late in the game, including introducing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez, Liverpool failed to break through Kinsky’s defense.
Slot, visibly frustrated on the touchline, will now look to rally his team for the second leg at Anfield on February 6.
What’s Next?
The League Cup semi-final remains wide open, with Liverpool looking to overturn the deficit at home. Meanwhile, Newcastle secured a 2-0 advantage against Arsenal in the other semi-final, setting up a thrilling race to the final.
