Advancing to the final of the tournament, also known as the Carabao Cup, has put Liverpool in a strong position for a season quadruple due to their impressive form in the Premiership as well as the UEFA Champions League. That said, nothing has been won yet, and it is still too early in the season to make such predictions.

Spurs carried a 1-0 advantage into the game after their first-leg win in London in January.

The deadlock was broken by Cody Gakpo in the first stanza, handing Liverpool a 1-0 lead at the break. Minutes into the second half, Mo Salah scored from the penalty spot to double the lead, and they the advantage for the first time over the two legs.

In the 75th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai found the back of the net for Liverpool, and five minutes later, captain Virgil van Dijk sealed the deal with a goal, securing a 4-0 win. Liverpool advanced on a 4-1 aggregate over the two legs.

In the other semi-final on Wednesday, Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 at St James’ Park, giving the Magpies a 4-0 aggregate win over the two legs.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot expressed his delight at reaching his first final with the club but emphasised the importance of focusing on Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, as well as other league fixtures before heading to London.

“Pleasant… although if you know me a little bit, my thoughts are already more on Sunday than on the final next month,” said Slot.

Dominik Szoboszlai - X

“But our performance today pleased me the most. Reaching a final should always be special, even for this club, which is used to playing in finals. Still, we are working very hard every single day to improve the players, and the players are determined to improve themselves every single day.

“We’re also in this business to play in finals. Although we already know how difficult the final is going to be – because we’ve faced Newcastle before and they were very impressive yesterday – there are many games to be played before that final, and this is where our focus should be.”

The Dutch manager, who is experiencing a dream first season on Merseyside, added that the Carabao Cup is important as it provides fringe players with game time while offering an opportunity to win silverware, especially as Liverpool are the defending champions.

Cody getting us started ?? pic.twitter.com/FvX4pCdzMW

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 6, 2025

“It has often been the case that players who haven’t played much have featured in these games, and I think that has been important for us. Every time we need one of these players, they are ready to perform.

“I think if you come to this country, you know the history of the FA Cup and the League Cup. I also know – and I believe I’m correct in saying this – that the FA Cup is held in slightly higher regard than the League Cup. But it is still a cup and a trophy to win, and it’s one we won last season.

“I think if you win a trophy the season before, you always have to take on the challenge of trying to win it again.”

The final between Newcastle and Liverpool will be played on 16 March at Wembley in London.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport