Spurs had no chance this time.
Not the referee, the linesmen, or the VAR at Stockley Park could come to their rescue — certainly not with their disastrous defense.
While last season’s match brought a glaring VAR error, this clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was smooth for the officials, who could only watch in disbelief at another chaotic Spurs performance.
Mo Salah added two more goals to his tally to sink TottenhamCredit: Alamy
Dominik Szoboszlai had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirtCredit: Reuters
Even after conceding three goals, it was one of Liverpool’s easiest wins of the season, securing a spot at the top of the table by four points with a game in hand. A Carabao Cup semi-final between these sides could yield an ugly aggregate scoreline.
In October 2023, Luis Díaz had a legal goal disallowed, costing Liverpool a 2-1 defeat. It felt fitting, then, for Díaz to both open and close the scoring here. He headed Liverpool’s first, Mac Allister added a second, and although Maddison halved the deficit, Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s dominance before halftime.
Salah added two more to bring his tally to 18 for the season, with Díaz, Kulusevski, and Solanke also finding the net. But Liverpool could have easily scored 10, capitalizing on Spurs’ depleted defense.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was also key to everything the Reds did well including one perfect assistCredit: Reuters
Luis Diaz got on the scoresheet twiceCredit: Getty
James Maddison’s goal made it 2-1 before Spurs capitulatedCredit: EPA
Fans vented their frustrations pre-match with protests against chairman Daniel Levy and the ownership, and this result won’t ease the discontent. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s approach divides opinion, with his side failing to learn key lessons.
Even early on, Fraser Forster gifted Salah a chance but was spared as the shot hit the side netting. Salah had five strong chances in the first 18 minutes alone, including one that hit the bar.
Liverpool’s opener came via Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant cross to Díaz, whose header found the net. Alexander-Arnold, while excellent, was fortunate not to concede a penalty for a shove on Maddison earlier.
Their second goal saw Spence and Szoboszlai misjudge a cross, allowing Mac Allister to nod it past Forster. Though Mac Allister erred to let Maddison score for Spurs, another flick from Szoboszlai teed up Salah, who set up Szoboszlai’s second.
Salah scored twice more in the second half with simple finishes, aided by brilliant work from his teammates. Kulusevski and Solanke managed to score for Spurs, but a Díaz strike sealed Liverpool’s triumph.
As the final whistle blew, Tottenham fans jeered, while Liverpool’s faithful celebrated another masterclass under Arne Slot, who turned down Spurs just 18 months ago.
