By Al Edwards

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou did say he always wins a trophy in his second season and he is still on track to do so.

Today, Tottenham beat Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Lillywhites put in a good performance, one that went against their present form. They were disciplined and compact and demonstrated plenty of grit.

Some may argue that Liverpool put in a subdued showing today but Tottenham deserved the win.

In the opening minutes of the game, the Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur clattered to the ground and stayed there for minutes. It looked serious and he remained unconscious until he was stretched off.

Eleven extra minutes were added to the first half as the game was extensively delayed because of the injury to the Spurs man who was banned for a number of games because of racial slurs made about his teammate Son. Making his return he will again be out of action.

Tottenham have signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and what a difference he has made in his first game for his new club. He looks more assured than Foster and collects and passes the ball with confidence.

Spurs enjoyed 42 per cent possession in this game with just four shots on target compared to Liverpool’s seven shots on target. The Londoners registered a 78 per pass success rate.

Lucas Bergvall scored in the 86th minute and Tottenham was for once able to hang on. They will go into the next leg at Anfield with an advantage. Can they make it to the final? 

Yesterday Newcastle beat Arsenal  2-0 and are clearly in the driver’s seat. Arsenal have dropped off lately while Newcastle are pushing for a Champions League spot. Newcastle have won seven games on the trot.

This Tottenham win spelt Liverpool’s first defeat in 25 games. On current form, Liverpool are expected to win the EPL.

Ange Postecoglou has faced criticism for his gun-ho style of play which leaves his team susceptible to leaking goals despite having the second-highest goal-scoring record in the EPL. Tottenham are languishing in 12th position and must win a trophy to redeem their season.