Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out of the Carabao Cup Tuesday Night after losing 3-1 against Liverpool in their third-round tie at Anfield. My player ratings on a disappointing exit from the Carabao Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur were knocked out of the Carabao Cup Tuesday Night after losing 3-1 against Liverpool in their third-round tie at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister put the hosts ahead after 21 minutes before Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s advantage early in the second half. Conor Gallagher pulled one back for Spurs, but Dominik Szoboszlai’s outstanding stoppage-time strike confirmed Tottenham’s elimination.
Roberto De Zerbi’s team enjoyed 56% possession, attempted 17 shots and recorded 2.33 expected goals compared with Liverpool’s 1.53. However, Spurs failed to take their opportunities and were punished by Liverpool’s superior finishing.
Here are my Tottenham player ratings from the defeat at Anfield.
Martin Dúbravka – 5.5
A difficult evening for the goalkeeper, who conceded three times. Dúbravka wasn’t at fault for any of the goals, with both Mac Allister and Szoboszlai being unstoppable. A relatively solid debut.
Archie Gray – 6.0
Played at his unpreferred right-back and showed his customary composure in possession. Gray attempted to move Tottenham forward but found Liverpool’s pace and movement on the counter difficult to contain.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6.5
Produced some important defensive moments but never looked entirely comfortable. Liverpool repeatedly found openings around Tottenham’s defensive line. Shaky on the ball at times but solid physically.
Marcos Senesi – 6.0
Making his first Tottenham start, Senesi competed well, remained composed on the ball and tried to start attacks with progressive passing. His fitness faded as the game went on, which affected his passing. Solid debut.
Destiny Udogie – 6.5
Returned to the starting line-up, made a number of good runs in the opening 30 minutes. Udogie attempted to provide width without creating enough danger and was replaced after 57 minutes.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6.0
Helped Spurs retain possession well, but wasn’t as effective as he's been previously; took a knock in the first half which slowed him down. Booked shortly before half-time and withdrawn after Liverpool’s second goal.
Lucas Bergvall – 7.0
One of Spurs’ best performers. Bergvall played with confidence, carried the ball through midfield and remained willing to receive possession under pressure. A mature display despite the result.
Mohammed Kudus – 6.5
Produced several promising moments on the right and looked capable of creating problems when running at Liverpool’s defence. His final pass and finish haven’t been there yet after a lengthy injury layoff. His first start under De Zerbi.
Conor Gallagher – 7.0
An energetic and influential performance. Gallagher’s movement caused Liverpool difficulties, while his 69th-minute finish briefly gave Tottenham hope of forcing an equaliser.
Mathys Tel – 6.0
Showed occasional flashes of quality from the left but struggled to consistently affect the game . Tel found several useful attacking positions but failed to deliver the decisive final action.
Omar Marmoush – 6.0
Worked hard while leading Tottenham’s attack but failed to draw Spurs level late in the second half.
Tottenham substitutes
Mateus Fernandes – 7.5
Made an immediate impact after replacing Bentancur. Fernandes injected energy and creativity into midfield before supplying the assist for Gallagher’s goal. A highly encouraging cameo.
Andrew Robertson – 6.5
Introduced against his former club and attempted to offer greater attacking support from left-back. Added experience but could not stop Liverpool securing the victory.
Sávio – 6.0
Brought pace and direct running during the closing stages; the final pass or attempt on goal wasn’t quite there again for Tottenham’s new signing.
James Maddison – 6.5
Looked to operate between Liverpool’s midfield and defence after coming on, a confident performance which highlighted what Spurs needed for the England International.
Dominic Solanke – 6.0
Introduced in the 85th minute, could have recorded an assist to Omar Marmoush's late effort but for an outstanding save from Liverpool’s Mamardashvili.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Araujo, Gomez (c) (Jacquet 46), Kerkez, Nyoni (Gravenberch 62), Mac Allister, Ngumoha (Barcola 72), McConnell (Szoboszlai 62), Gakpo, Koumas (Isak 86). Substitutes (not used): Allison, Endo, Munoz, Chambers.
Spurs (4-2-3-1): Dubravka, Gray (c), Senesi, Tosin, Udogie (Robertson 57), Bentancur (Fernandes 57), Bergvall, Kudus (Savio 75), Gallagher (Maddison 75), Tel (Solanke 85), Marmoush. Substitutes (not used): Kinsky, Davies, Van Hecke, van de Ven.
