Liverpool thrash Tottenham to reach Carabao Cup final as Mo Salah reaction speaks volumes

Mo Salah sank to his knees, kissed the turf and soaked in another glorious night at Anfield. Salah scored his 26th goal of the season from the penalty spot to steer Liverpool towards Wembley and the chance of more history in the Carabao Cup. Liverpool have already won the trophy a record ten times and now they are in the hunt for more when they go head-to-head with Newcastle on March 16. But it is also a chance for more silverware for Salah as Liverpool are chasing glory on four fronts with their Egyptian king in the form of his life. Salah, 32, is cherishing these moments because his contract is running down and yet that seems to have only made him more focused on winning as much as he can.

It is hard to believe this will be his last season at Anfield because he is irreplaceable. But Salah is determined to make the most of it in the title race, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League. This semi-final second leg was before Sunday’s trip to Plymouth in the FA Cup and then the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park next Wednesday. It would be easy to assume the Everton game - Liverpool’s game in hand on the rest of their title challengers - is their most important. And it probably is. But there is simply no let-up for Arne Slot ’s unstoppable winning machine in every game they play. You almost had to feel a bit sorry for Tottenham because Liverpool toyed with Ange Postecoglou’s men at times.

So much for Big Ange’s promise that he always wins a trophy in his second season at every club. Tottenham kissed goodbye to their shot at the Carabao Cup with an all too familiar surrender at Anfield. They do have the Europa League and the FA Cup but their chances are disappearing. Postecoglou’s men have now managed just one win in their last 28 trips to Anfield - and never remotely looked like improving that record. In fact, Spurs did not seem to have much of a plan let alone a Plan B. Once the first Liverpool goal went in, their best hope was to hold out for penalties. That did not last long either.

In fairness to Postecoglou, they do have a crippling injury list, a patched-up defence with new £20.8m signing Kevin Danso making his debut at centre half and it will not be a game he will want to remember. Nor loan signing Mathys Tel either as he made his debut as a substitute. Tottenham were overwhelmed and Salah and Co will take some stopping. Slot has worked miracles since taking charge and they are just so consistent and above everyone else in the Premier League and probably Europe. Virgil van Dijk was arguably lucky to get away with an elbow on Richarlison but, after that controversy, this was all Liverpool. It was too easy. Just look at the scoreline.

Liverpool were ahead after 34 minutes. Yves Bissouma lost possession, Salah put over a cross from the right, Nunez missed it and then Cody Gakpo fired in from close range. Tottenham’s slender first leg lead was wiped out. The game was then turned on its head after 51 minutes. Salah played the ball over the top, Nunez nipped in before Kinsky and the Spurs keeper duly wiped him out. Salah smashed the penalty into the top corner.

Dominik Szoboszlai made it 3-0 on the night. Conor Bradley played the ball into his path and the Liverpool midfielder strode through to fire home to cap a superb individual display. Tottenham had the temerity to hit the woodwork through Son Heung-min before Liverpool got a fourth. Alexis Mac Allister put over a corner and there was the majestic Van Dijk to rise above everyone to score and complete the rout.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. What do Liverpool need to clinch the title? Keep up with all the Reds news with our FREE daily newsletter.