Jamie Carragher was left disgusted by Tottenham’s performance in Thursday’s Carabao Cup defeat against Liverpool, calling out three players in particular for their roles in the 4-0 defeat. Spurs took a 1-0 aggregate lead to Anfield but surrendered to Arne Slot‘s rampant side, who will now face Newcastle United in the final at Wembley.
Liverpool produced a dominant display to shrug off the visitors’ narrow advantage, with Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominink Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk scoring the goals.
And while the Reds completely outclassed Ange Postecoglou‘s side in all departments, Carragher has ripped into the intensity and aggressive on show as they failed to defend their lead.
Spurs’ midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr, two of which were hooked before the hour mark, received the brunt of the former Liverpool defender’s criticism.
“When I looked at those three midfield players today, I thought they were a disgrace, those Tottenham midfield players,” Carragher told Sky Sports after full-time.
“You’re playing a semi-final. [For the] first 15 minutes, half an hour, Liverpool will be on the ball, put you under pressure, but get after them, be aggressive.
“Maybe forget the ball the first half an hour, but be aggressive, even if you’re camped in your own half.
“It was still so easy for Liverpool to get to the edge of the box. Those midfield players didn’t even put a challenge in. It was shocking.”
He added: “I think of a cup tie Liverpool played at home a few weeks ago in the FA Cup.
“Liverpool didn’t play their best team, but I think Accrington Stanley gave more than Tottenham tonight and gave Liverpool more of a problem. That’s not right.”
Newcastle booked their spot in a second League Cup final in three years by mauling Arsenal 4-0 across two legs.
The Magpies are once again one game away from ending their 70-year trophy drought, but face as tough a test as English football can currently throw up at Wembley.
Meanwhile, Tottenham‘s wait for a first taste of silverware since lifting the League Cup in February 2008 continues, with the FA Cup and Europa League still to play for.
Spurs failed to register a single shot on target during the toothless display on Merseyside, adding to an already miserable second season under Postecoglou.
The Lilywhites are 14th in the Premier League after losing 13 of their first 24 matches and were taken to extra-time by non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup third round.
A daunting fourth-round clash away at Aston Villa awaits on Sunday, while Liverpool travel to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.
A similarly impactless performance at Villa Park to eliminate Spurs from a second cup competition in the space of four days would undoubtedly ramp up the pressure on Postecoglou.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk