KUCHING: Lucas Bergvall’s controversial strike in the 86th minute secured a 1-0 win for Tottenham against Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao League Cup semis on Wednesday.
According to AFP, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was visibly furious that Bergvall had not been booked for a foul earlier in the match, after tripping Kostas Tsimikas. The attack that led to Bergvall’s goal exploited the space left by Tsimikas’ absence. Tottenham’s victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who was taken to the hospital after a head injury in the seventh minute.
The 27-year-old was unconscious and received oxygen, though the club later confirmed he was conscious and stable. The win provided a boost for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who is under pressure due to the team’s poor Premier League form. The match also saw 21-year old goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, making his grand debut for Spurs in the match, after they signed him last Sunday in a deal worth about about £12.5 million (about RM58,020,750). He previously played for Czech football Club Pardubice as loaned player.
Tottenham last won a trophy in 2008 and are hoping the League Cup could end their long silverware drought following team captain Son Heung Min’s contract extension until 2026. For Liverpool, the defeat was their second in 24 games this season and followed a disappointing 2-2 draw with Manchester United, preemptively ending their winning streak. The second leg will take place on Feb 6 at Anfield.
