The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium witnessed a tense Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on January 8, 2025, as a depleted Tottenham side overcame Liverpool 1-0. The debut of new signing Antonin Kinsky in goal and a youthful Spurs lineup, necessitated by a spate of injuries and suspensions, characterized the match.
Kinsky Steps Up Between the Sticks
With first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario out injured, the spotlight fell on 21-year-old Antonin Kinsky. They thrust the Czech keeper into action just days after signing him from Slavia Prague for £12.5 million, and he delivered a composed performance. Kinsky kept a clean sheet, repelling Liverpool’s attacks and providing a sense of assurance to a makeshift defense.
Postecoglou Juggles a Limited Squad
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faced a selection headache with a number of key players unavailable. His starting lineup reflected the challenges:
- Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Radu Drăgușin, Archie Gray, Djed Spence
- Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall
- Forwards: Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Heung-min Son
The inclusion of 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall in midfield highlighted the lack of options available, but also Postecoglou’s faith in the club’s young talent.
Injuries and Suspensions Take Their Toll
Tottenham’s injury list was extensive:
- Defense: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie were all sidelined.
- Midfield: James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr were suspended.
- Attack: Richarlison was nearing a return but not yet match fit, and Wilson Odobert remained unavailable.
This forced Postecoglou to rely on youth and fringe players, testing the squad’s depth.
Liverpool Ring the Changes
Liverpool manager Arne Slot also opted for some tactical adjustments:
- Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
- Defenders: Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas
- Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones
- Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota
Notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped to the bench after a poor showing against Manchester United, with Conor Bradley taking his place.
Bergvall the Hero in a Contentious Encounter
The game was decided by a late goal from Lucas Bergvall. In the 86th minute, the young midfielder latched onto a long ball from Kinsky and calmly slotted home his first goal for Tottenham. Liverpool protested, claiming Bergvall should have been sent off earlier for a second yellow card offense, but the goal stood.
Tottenham suffered an early blow when Rodrigo Bentancur was forced off with a head injury after just five minutes. Thankfully, he later provided a positive update from the hospital.
The Tie Hangs in the Balance
Tottenham take a narrow lead to Anfield for the second leg on February 6, 2025. Their performance, particularly from youngsters like Kinsky and Bergvall, provides hope for the return fixture. The potential return of key players from injury and suspension could further boost their chances of reaching the final.
