Liverpool’s disappointing start to 2025 continues with a loss to Tottenham, raising concerns for manager Arne Slot ahead of the next match.
Arne Slot’s team has some serious work ahead in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final next month. The Liverpool boss isn’t going to be happy about how they ended up behind in this tie.
Lucas Bergvall scored the only goal of the match in north London. He did this right after a late challenge on Kostas Tsimikas, but somehow avoided a second yellow card from the referee.
The UK media noticed that moment, and while they praised Tottenham’s performance, they raised some big concerns for Liverpool.
Miguel Delaney from The Independent said it might be too early to say Tottenham’s young team has come of age, but their 1-0 win over Liverpool showed a lot of maturity.
He pointed out that Bergvall, just 18, scored the goal, capping off a great night for the team. Meanwhile, Liverpool seemed to be struggling, and this was their first time this season going two games without a win.
Alyson Rudd from The Times mentioned the split opinions on Tottenham’s coach, Ange Postecoglou. Some think he should be more pragmatic given the injuries, while others admire his commitment to attacking football.
Tottenham grew in confidence during the match and took a one-goal lead to Anfield for the second leg. Rudd also noted that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence was a talking point, especially after his tough game against Manchester United.
Matt Law from The Telegraph highlighted how the night belonged to Tottenham’s youngsters. Bergvall and Archie Gray were fantastic, and the team managed to keep a clean sheet against a side that had previously scored six goals against them.
Liverpool felt they had a case for a second yellow card for Bergvall, but that didn’t overshadow his impressive performance.
David Hytner from The Guardian described the match as dramatic, starting with an injury to Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. He was taken off on a stretcher but was conscious and talking.
Hytner also praised goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for his debut performance, making several key saves. But the real highlight was Bergvall’s goal, which came after a controversial moment where he should have been sent off.
He took full advantage of that reprieve and scored, sending Spurs fans into a frenzy.
