Liverpool’s Cup Progress: A Glimpse of Their Revival?

The Carabao Cup has long been a testing ground for English football teams, providing an opportunity to experiment and fine-tune strategies without the intense pressure of league competition. For Liverpool, Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield was a statement of intent: they’re back on track.

Alexis Mac Allister’s opener set the tone with a curled shot, but it was Cody Gakpo who truly showcased his Premier League credentials with a clinical finish in front of the Kop. His goal has already surpassed Spurs’ tally against top-flight opponents this season – an irony that can’t be ignored, given Liverpool’s struggles earlier this campaign.

Gakpo’s performance is particularly noteworthy, as it reinforces Andoni Iraola’s faith in him. The 23-year-old Dutchman was a target for Tottenham in the summer and has now delivered on the biggest stage. His goals have become crucial to Liverpool’s cause, providing a much-needed boost after their underwhelming start.

Iraola’s team selection was telling, with ten changes from the Fulham match last Saturday demonstrating an acute awareness of the squad’s depth and versatility. The energy and quality displayed by Lewis Koumas were evident throughout – a marked improvement on the intensity lacking against Fulham.

Liverpool’s high-pressing game, often criticized for its predictability, worked wonders against Tottenham, who were forced to play into the Reds’ hands. The manner in which Liverpool won back possession and capitalized on Tottenham’s mistakes was a testament to Iraola’s influence.

The introduction of Dominik Szoboszlai proved decisive, his stoppage-time stunner sealing the win for Liverpool. It’s not the first time he’s produced a moment of magic – but it might just be the most crucial yet. As Andoni Iraola put it, “you are thinking he might score” – an intuition that proved correct.

For Tottenham, however, this defeat is only a minor setback in what promises to be an intriguing season under Roberto De Zerbi’s guidance. The Italian coach’s optimism about his players’ qualities and potential for improvement is well-founded; it was clear from Tuesday’s performance that they have the makings of something special.

Liverpool will take heart from their progress, knowing they’ve overcome a difficult test against top-flight opposition. With the likes of Gakpo, Szoboszlai, and Iraola at the helm, they’re not going anywhere but up – and with good reason. As De Zerbi so candidly admitted after the match, his team needs “a click” to come together. But for Liverpool, that click might already have happened – or at least, it’s getting louder by the minute.