Liverpool had to work hard in the latter stages to book their place in the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup as the Reds overcame Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Tuesday night. The Merseysiders emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline as a double from Daniel Sturridge on both sides of the half made all the difference despite Vincent Janssen reducing the deficit from a spot kick.
The Anfield club made 11 eleven changes from their win over West Brom at the weekend whereas their London opposition made 10 as both the managers entrusted their second choice options and teenagers to do the job.
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There were many strong tackles in the game as both the teams complained to the referee, Jon Moss, incessantly about them. Let's take a look at the 5 talking points from the game that went to Jurgen Klopp's way:
#1 Daniel Sturridge forces his way back into Klopp’ plans
The Liverpool forward scored a brace to give them a place in the quarterfinals as this game was a must for Sturridge to make an impression. Klopp has gone for Roberto Firmino as the lone forward in the big games but Sturridge proved his worth yet again as he finished both his chances with supreme precision.
This was his eighth goal in six matches in the EFL Cup for the Reds as the 26-year-old is scoring for fun in the knockout tournament. Liverpool's fastest ever player to reach 50 goals, Sturridge has the potential to be one of the league's best and with a brace against fellow title contenders, Spurs, Jurgen Klopp has been given a headache of who to choose to lead the line.
#2 Spurs were the second best at their pressing game
Liverpool kept the pressure from the first whistle on Spurs' youngsters as the intention were clear from Klopp's boys. Pochettino fielded a second-string side who may not be used to the incessant pressing methods used by their first team players which made matters easy for the Reds.
Liverpool covered more distance and had more sprints than their counterparts as Spurs were lucky not to concede much more thanks to a brilliant display by Spurs' no.2 Michel Vorm.
#3 Jurgen Klopp has made Anfield a fortress again
Last time Liverpool lost a game at home was back in January as the Reds have gone 19 matches unbeaten since the start of this year. Anfield has always been a daunting venue for the opposition and it has improved on his decibel level thanks to the new main stand which has increased Anfield's capacity to 54,000.
Klopp had recently asked for a rapturous atmosphere from the fans and he got just that against West Brom as the German said the weekend's atmosphere at Anfield was one of the best during his time in charge. The bespectacled coach has galvanized the fan base like never before and it is showing in the stands as the Reds look to thwart any opponent at home under him.
#4 Michel Vorm kept Spurs in the game
Michel Vorm made just his second start of the campaign as the Dutch custodian fails to get many opportunities to feature in the league under Pochettino. But he proved he was deserving of his place as he kept Lilywhites in the game thanks to some brilliant saves.
He stopped Sturridge from scoring a hattrick as the English international had a number of shots on target but was denied by the imposing Vorm. He also made other important saves from Marko Grujic and Georginio Wijnaldum and the second choice keeper will hope for more chances following his stellar showing.
He was shouting at his defenders and was very vocal throughout the game and looked more assured to deal with the aerial threats than his counterpart, Simon Mignolet. Vorm is good enough to be the starting goalkeeper in most teams, getting regular football for the London team is difficult because of a certain Hugo Lloris.
#5 Liverpool's youngsters shone while Spurs' faltered
Liverpool gave debuts to two academy graduates in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ovie Ejaria and both the youngsters put in a great shift to impress everyone. Arnold was lucky to receive just a yellow for his tackle on Ben Davies but the 18-year-old gradually improved his performance. Marko Grujic was also impressive as his attacking intent was on display as he looked to surge ahead on every possible opportunity.
The youngsters from Spurs though were probably awestruck by the stadium and the atmosphere as they took a lot of time to get settled to the proceedings. Other than Harry Winks, who looked assured in his midfield role alongside Eric Dier, no youngster looked like a real deal for Pochettino's side. Georges-Kevin N’Kodou was abysmal in the first half but slowly improved as he showed brilliant work rate in the last quarter of the game.
