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By HARRY BAMFORTH and IAN LADYMAN AT ANFIELD and LEWIS STEELE AT ANFIELD Published: 05: 00 AEDT, 7 February 2025 | Updated: 08: 58 AEDT, 7 February 2025 417 View comments Follow Mail Sport's live blog of the second leg in the Carabao Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Tottenham as Spurs look to continue their quest for a first trophy in 17 years.   By Harry Bamforth Que Sa Ra, Se Ra. .. Liverpool are off to Wembley to defend the Carabao Cup after a demolition of sorry Spurs. One Kiss by Dua Lipa is now playing over the speakers and these Liverpool fans are having the time of their lives. Newcastle await for the Reds who if they play like they did tonight can tear anybody apart. A sensational day for the Reds, and another near miss for Tottenham. By Harry Bamforth Spurs only have to endure three more miserable minutes before this is over. I bet they can't wait for it to all end. By Harry Bamforth The celebrations have well and truly started at Anfield. The fans first serenade Arne Slot before ew belting rendition of that Luis Diaz tune. I mean, it really is a cracking chant, arguably the best in the Premier League. You have to hear it. By Harry Bamforth My word, how has Diogo Jota missed there? The substitute has a free header from a free-kick and looks destined to add the fifth. But no, he seems to slightly hold back as he puts his head through the ball and flicks it wide. There is then a standing ovation for Virgil van Dijk as he is taken off, which is a real rarity. I guess Arne Slot just wanted him to get a good clap. Jarell Quansha is now on. By Harry Bamforth Liverpool are hungry for more, they are showing no mercy. Diogo Jota wants to get in on the scoring fun and sees an effort deflected wide for a corner. The Spurs fans in the Anfield Road end are now heading for the exits. .. it's a long drive back to the capital for them. All that hope to go home empty-handed again - it must sting. By Harry Bamforth Some more changes from Liverpool, everybody is getting involved in the fun. Harvey Elliott and Luis Diaz enter the action in place of goalscorers Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. Mikey Moore is introduced for Tottenham too, not so much of a fu situation for him. By Harry Bamforth IT'S FOUR! Those London hotels are going to be all booked up by the end of this game, the way this is going. It's just all too easy for Liverpool as Virgil van Dijk ghosts in unmarked to head home Alexis Mac Allister's corner. This Anfiueld crowd can really enjoy themselves now, this game is finito. By Harry Bamforth My word, Son Heung-Min hits the bar out of nowhere! We know just how much the Tottenham skipper loves this ground and he comes so close to scoring here for the fifth time in a row. He has a crack from a tight angle with no Spurs shirt in the box, and it smashes off the woodwork. That will have kept Liverpool alert. .. By Harry Bamforth What a goal that is! Liverpool cut through Tottenham like a sharpened knife through paper, they are just too good. Alexis Mac Allister slides through Conor Bradley who plays a superb first-time pass into Domink Szoboszlai. And just like back in December, the midfielder cooly slots the ball under the goalkeeper and into the net. That should surely be that now, those Reds in the stands better start booking those hotels. Wembley beckons. By Harry Bamforth The woodwork denies Liverpool yet again! Ryan Gravenberch is really desperate to get his first goal of the season and he won't get much closer than that. The Tottenham defence just backs off him for some reason so he has a pop that comes off the base of the post. So, so close. By Harry Bamforth Arne Slot turns to the bench. Alexis Mac Allister and Diogo Jota have both been readied and are now primed for action. Not bad players to bring on, eh? They replace Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez as Liverpool look to finish the job. By Harry Bamforth How is that not a corner? Caoimhin Keleher has literally just punched the ball over the bar on his line from an Archie Gray box, but wins a goal-kick. That is so, so poor from the linesman. Even my dog could have seen that and she is an 18-year-old who just sleeps in her bed all day. By Harry Bamforth Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, It's Ibrahima Konate! The Liverpool defender has just launched off the ground like a rocket from NASA to meet a corner. He gets his noggin on it but his header flies comfortably into the Kop. He then looks to have hurt his head, but thankfully for the Reds, he is up in no time. By Harry Bamforth Ooooft, that is so close from Djed Spence. The defender has looked a real threat since moving to the wing and he shows how greased his wheels are down that left. He flies into the box before letting fly of a ferocious effort that goes just over the bar. He really caught that one, jeez. By Harry Bamforth Darwin Nunez blooming loves it, doesn't he? The striker charges down Dejan Kulusevski and wins the battle before throwing his arms to the crowd and jeering up the crowd. Of course, they respond happily with a huge roar. By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Cody Gakpo, why didn't you pass? ?? The Dutchman is played through down the left and just has to slide the ball across the six-yard box and Darwin Nunez has a tap-in. But no, he doesn't trust the Uruguayan and has a pop instead, and to be fair it's a great strike. Antonin Kinsky gets a great hand on it as the ball flies across him and it then crashes against the post. Nunez is not happy Gakpo didn't pass though, understandably. Knowing Nunez though, he may have put it wide anyway. .. By Harry Bamforth How much space do Tottenham want to give Liverpool? They know what the Reds can do to them but they seem to just allow them to waltz through them at will. I mean, it's really evident when Dominik Szoboszlai gets the freedom of the city to get a header on a Cody Gakpo cross, but luckily ends in the arms of Antonin Kinsky. Darwin Nunez then has a crack, but it hits the side-netting. By Harry Bamforth Spours already look miles better now they have made some changes. It actually looks like Djed Spence is on the wing and Archie Gray has moved to left-back. Will he ever actually play in his proper position? Just as I type that, Rodrigo Bentancur sees his name in lights and has a crack from distance. The lights must have been in his eyes though and he blasts the ball into row z. By Harry Bamforth Ange Postecoglou does not look like a happy man on that touchline, jeez. .. I wouldn't want to mess with him. He has already seen enough this half and is hooking both Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr. The first-leg hero Lucas Bergvall and Pedro Porro have come on, meaning Archie Gray will surely go into midfield. That's a rarity for the young lad. By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth You felt like that goal was coming as soon as Mohamed Salah had that chance inside the first minute after the break. Liverpool have come out of that dressing room meaning business, they are causing chaos among the Tottenham defenders. The visitors just can't get out of their own half! By Harry Bamforth WOW! You will not see a better penalty than Mohamed Salah has just scored all season, what a hit. The winger smashes the ball into the top left-hand corner with some power, he nearly takes the net off. The Reds have turned it around and now Wembley is well and truly in their sights. Anfield is rocking yet again. By Harry Bamforth Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. .. Tottenham are the architects of their own downfall yet again and this time it leads to a Liverpool penalty. Ben Davies give the ball away at the back, Mohamed Salah pounces to send through Darwin Nunez, and he is taken out by Antonin Kinksy. Now the Reds have the chance to take the lead in this tie. By Harry Bamforth My word, Liverpool are going for the throat here. That's now two chances in two minutes as Dominik Szoboszlai gets a brilliant flick on at the near post of a corner. It causes all sorts of problems and Sntonin Kinsky just does enough to push the ball out of danger. This could be a long half for Tottenham. .. By Harry Bamforth What a start that would have been! Liverpool come flying out of the traps and Antonin Kinsky already has work to do. Darwin Nunez somehow digs out a ball over the top for Mohamed Salah who then d=treis to drive the ball at the near post. But Antonin Kinsky is equal to it. By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Well then, we are 45 minutes from finding out who will play Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Well, unless we go to extra-time. .. The two teams are back out, have had a mine warm-up, and now we are ready to go again. By Harry Bamforth Yep, that's right, there is a possibility of extra time tonight. If the scoreline doesn't change in the second half, then we will be treated to another half an hour. Also, the away goals rule is not a thing in this competition, so even if it's 2-1 we will be off to extra time. Do you think that's it for the goals? I mean, I certainly don't. By Harry Bamforth Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender, on Sky Sports: By Harry Bamforth Want to see that Mohamed Salah assist then? I mean, of course, you do. It's a lovely ball from Salah but it's all about the finish from Cody Gakpo. He is off-balance but still manages to get a great connection on the ball and arrow the ball in at the near post. Saying that I'm really not sure how Antonin Kinsky has not at least got a glove on that. Liverpool won't care about that though. .. By Harry Bamforth In that first half I learned a very valuable lesson - do not question Mohamed Salah. I wrote that he was having a stinker and just a few minutes later he assisted Cody Gakpo for the opener. It means that Salah has now assisted 10 of Gakpo's goals in a Liverpool shirt. The Dutchman is the third player he has provided 10 or more Liverpool assists for, along with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Those two just work in tandem. By Harry Bamforth Well, the miracle has indeed happened. .. Tottenham have made it to half-time just one goal down. The visitors have been penned back pretty much all half, but only Cody Gakpo has managed to breach their defence. Saying that, this tie is still brilliantly poised, Tottenham are by no means out of this yet. They have to do more after the break, though. .. it's been pretty one-sided at Anfield. All to play for in the second half. By Harry Bamforth If somehow Tottenham survive until the break, it would be a miracle. Liverpool are peppering them from every angle and now Curtis Jones nearly gets on the end of a lovely Conor Bradley cross. The ball is turned around for a corner though, and Spurs can breathe a sigh of relief. They are hanging on. .. By Harry Bamforth Amid all of that, it was revealed there will be seven minutes of stoppage time here. That's a lot for the first half. .. more than I was anticipating anyway. By Harry Bamforth Oh dear. .. Richarlison has pulled up injured and had a little temper tantrum down on the floor. he then has to come off and the Liverpool fans sing 'cheerio' in his direction. It's fair to say, Richarlison doesn't exactly look impressed. It means we are going to see Mathys Tel take to the pitch in a Spurs shirt for the first time earlier than expected. Can he make an impact? By Harry Bamforth Ohhh, it's so nearly two for Liverpool! If not for an Antonin Kinsky fingertip, Mohamed Salah would be wheeling away in celebration. The winger gets on the end of a lovely cross and drives a volley into the ground and dipping into the net. But Kinksy does brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar when it seemed destined for the net. A big stop. By Harry Bamforth Oh, Dejan, Dejan, Dejan. .. Kulusevski is one hell of a player, but that is one of the occasions in which he makes the wrong choice. The Swede decides to have a pop at the Kop end from 25 yards out and nearly sends the ball out of the ground. Not his best effort, I have to say. By Harry Bamforth Lovely, lovely, lovely from Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman is just so silky on the ball, it's a pleasure to watch when he plays like this. Gravenberch has just danced past three Tottenham defenders before winning a corner, and my word did he do it in style. That might sound over the top, but it really was class. By Harry Bamforth Tottenham just need to try and hold out until half-time. .. Liverpool have them right where they want them and it only feels like a matter of time until the second comes. They took a while to get going but my word are they rumbling right now. The mood inside this place has completely changed! By Lewis Steele At Anfield By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Anfield is absolutely rocking right now! The fans have found their voice and all four stands are belting out 'Allez, Allez, Allez' at the top of their lungs. Scraves are being flung around everywhere and this feels like a proper semi-final atmosphere now. I mean, they took their time. By Harry Bamforth Liverpool are level in the tie! You can't say it hasn't been coming and of course, it has to be the Carabao Cup specialist Cody Gakpo to score it. Of course, Mohamed Salah makes me look silly with a trivela cross to pick out the Dutchman, who smashes the ball home at the near post. Game well and truly on! By Harry Bamforth My word, what a ball that is from Andy Robertson! The Liverpool full-back swings in a stunner to the back post with Mohamed Salah lurking. It is screaming to be finished off but Salah gets his volley all wrong and sends the ball over the bar. That was a real chance, and it should have been taken. By Harry Bamforth What was I saying again? Just as I posted that Mohamed Salah was struggling, he plays a stunning through ball to Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian then arrows the ball into the back of the net but his celebrations are cut short, the flag is up. Szoboszlai wags his finger but I'm not sure why, the length of Stanley Park was between him and the last man. VAR will not be saving him. By Harry Bamforth Right, I'm going to say it. .. Mohamed Salah is having a stinker. I'm sorry, but he just is. I usually praise the man but he just can't seem to get anything right at the moment. He has just given the ball away with a fairly simple pass which brings a chorus of groans. Djed Spence is dealing with him very well at the moment. By Harry Bamforth Phoar, that is so close. .. Liverpool come within inches from scoring and it would have been an extremely fortunate goal. Mo Salah's strike takes a mammoth deflection and just dribbles agonisingly wide of the post. For a minute, I thought that was heading in. By Harry Bamforth Now that is not like Liverpool. .. The Reds break and you just think they are going to tear through the Tottenham team. But a pass to Dominik Szoboszlai is poor and the move comes to nothing. They are struggling with the final ball. By Lewis Steele At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Ooooft, that is some hit from Ryan Gravenberch. The midfielder just thinks 'stuff this, I am going to have a pop', and that he does. Gravenberch connects with the ball brilliantly and its flying toward the corner, but Kevin Danso gets his body in the way of it. That will have left a mark, for sure. By Harry Bamforth That is a big clearance from Archie Gray. Liverpool have just been knocking the ball about without any threat but at last, decide to launch the ball into the mixer. Conor Bradley swings it to the back post with Andy Robertson poised to head home, but Gray manages to head it away at full stretch. Great defending. By Harry Bamforth This game is completely different from the one we witnessed yesterday. St James' Park was booming and Newcastle fed off it, while Anfield is struggling to make noise and their side can't get going. This has not been the first 20 minutes Arne Slot would have wanted. By Harry Bamforth You could cut the tension in here with a knife. The Anfield crowd seems really nervous here and they groan incredibly loudly as Curtis Jones misplaced a pass to Richarlison. The Brazilian then wins a free-kick and there are a few whistles and jeers, which will be music to his ears. This is an odd atmosphere, to say the least. By Harry Bamforth Ooooh, a nervy moment for Antonin Kinsky. The Tottenham goalkeeper completely flaps at a Liverpool goalkeeper and ends up colliding with Ben Davies. Kinsky gets away with his error but Davies certainly doesn't, he now has blood pouring from his forehead. Cue the funny headtape. I always think of Martin Skrtel whenever a player's head is taped up, he always seemed to have it. By Harry Bamforth I'm sorry, but Darwin Nunez is such a funny footballer to watch. He has just had four cracks at trying to kick the ball as it's bobbling around but he misses each time. It was like watching children's footie there. By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Richarlison's Everton connections are already getting him a lot of flack here. He has just been offside and the Kop then sings 'Blue and white s****'. No love lost there, eh? By Harry Bamforth Oh, that is a lovely bit of football from Liverpool. The Reds flow forward brilliantly, passing the ball around the visitors before it falls to Mohamed Salah in the area. The winger decides to have a crack but his effort is deflected on its way through top Antonin Kinsky. This has been a lively start from the hosts. By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Oooooh. .. That is not a good challenge whatsoever from Virgil van Dijk on Richarlison. .. very naughty. The Liverpool captain jumps for a header with the Brazilian and seemingly goes to elbow the forward. Richarlison then flops to the ground, but nothing is given and the two then get into a bit of afters. It's already getting feisty here - it always does with Richarlison at Anfield. By Harry Bamforth Tonight is going to be a real test for Djed Spence, isn't it? The young full-back is going to have Mohamed Salah running at him for most of the nice, which must be unnerving. Well, he deals with the winger pretty well in the early moments here, managing to stop him in his tracks down the left. That will give him some confidence. .. By Harry Bamforth My word, these Tottenham fans are blooming loud. They drown out You'll Never Walk Alone for most of the rendition, which is very, very rare. The Liverpool fans do take it up a notch as it comes to its crescendo, but those Spurs fans can still be heard. How much will they be cheering come full-time? Well, the game is now underway, and we will find out in about two hours. Let the chaos begin. By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Wow. Wow. Wow. Anfield is a cauldron of noise as the two sets of players line-up in the tunnel ahead of kick-off. Both sets of fans are already rattling through the songs, it's like a trade-off at this moment in time. There is a monster roar as the players rear their heads and take to the pitch. It's blooming loud tonight. It's only about to get louder too when 'You'll Never Walk Alone' begins, it's always special when that song is sung. This is going to be a special night of footie. By Lewis Steele At Anfield By Harry Bamforth There is one Tottenham player that the Liverpool backline will be especially wary of tonight. And that's. .. Son Heung-Min. Every time the Tottenham captain turns up to Anfiled, he always walks away on the scoresheet. In fact, Son has scored on his last four trips to the red half of Merseyside, which is pretty impressive. Can he do it again tonight? By Harry Bamforth Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham boss, speaking to Sky Sports: By Harry Bamforth Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender, on Sky Sports: By Harry Bamforth Mohamed Salah certainly has the right idea. I am champing at the bit for this game to kick-off, I wish we could just get on with it. Salah does too by the looks of things, but at this moment in time he and every other play are just polishing off their final preparations. In just 15 more minutes, they will all be out there for the real thing. I am so excited, aren't you? By Harry Bamforth It's not all doom and gloom for Tottenham fans. I have spent a lot of time with them over the last few days and they have spouted a lot of negativity. If you are reading this fellas, I still love you but you are very pessimistic. I mean, it is very easy to see why. .. Spurs fans have been put through the miller this season. It's been brutal. But things have started to look upon recently, with Tottenham winning their last two games against Brentford and Elfsborg, getting clean sheets in both. That should give them some more confidence coming into tonight, even if Liverpool are a much tougher task. Can they make it three wins on the spin? By Lewis Steele At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Conor Bradley, Liverpool full-back, speaking Sky Sports: By Harry Bamforth Tottenham fans, if you weren't nervous already you will be after reading this next post. And if you are a Liverpool fan, this should ease some concerns you have ahead of the game. When these two teams play each other at Anfield it usually only goes one way. Tottenham's record on the red half of Merseyside is absolutely woeful, and that's me being kind. The last time Spurs won at Anfield came all the way back in 2011. To put that into perspective, I was in Year 6 in primary school at that time. Yep, it's been a while. .. Since that victory 14 years ago, they have lost 11 times here while drawing the other three. But could that all change tonight? By Ian Ladyman At Anfield By Harry Bamforth Now this does not look like a man arriving for the biggest game of Tottenham's season, does it? Ange Postecoglou looks like a man who has just turned up for a jolly with his mates, not a Carabao Cup semi-final. I think this can only be a good thing, This Tottenham side will need a calming presence in the dressing room before kick-off. He's just a chill guy. .. By Lewis Steele At Anfield By Harry Bamforth When Liverpool and Tottenham play each other, the game usually goes a bit mental. Yes, I know the first leg was a bit boring and there was only one goal, but that was a real rarity. The two teams have scored a combined 26 goals in their last four meetings. Yes, you have read that right. The two have already played out a crazy 6-3, in which Liverpool could have even scored 10. If there aren't a lot of goals tonight, with how these two sides play, I will eat my hat. I hope there is because eating accessories is not something I enjoy. By Lewis Steele At Anfield By Harry Bamforth I wonder how Kevin Danso is feeling right now. To make your debut for a new club is already nerve-wracking enough, but for it to be at Anfield in a semi-final against Liverpool is just another level of scary. Tottenham have been in dire need of defensive reinforcements with so many of their stars out injured. Well, now they have one in Danso and he will have to put in one hell of a display to keep out Liverpool's front three of Cody Gakpo, Darwiun Nunez, and Mohamed Salah. If he does, he will become an instant cult hero. By Harry Bamforth Kevin Danso is thrown straight into the Tottenham side. The January signing starts alongside Ben Davies at the back in what is still a threadbare defence. Danbso is one of just two changes form the side that beat Brentford as Pape Sarr comes in for Mikey Moore. Mathys Tel has to settle for a spot on the bench with Richarlison getting the nod up top. How are your nerves, Spurs fans? By Harry Bamforth Ok then, Arne. .. I see you. Many people would have expected Slot to make just the one change from Liverpool's win over Bournemouth, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being injured. But no, he has actually made four with Caoimhin Kelleher getting the nod in between the sticks. I bet it feels good for him to be back. There is also a surprise up top as it's Darwin Nunez who starts rather than Luis Diaz, or Diogo Jota. Conor Bradley and Curtis Jones also come in, as Alexis Mac Allister drops out of the side. Happy with this team, Liverpool fans? By Harry Bamforth Mathys Tel is a nem I have been seeing absolutely everywhere over this past week. I mean, if you don't know who he is, you must have been living under a rock. Or maybe you were just on a social media cleanse and missed it, if that's the case then I commend you. Anyway, the fact of that matter is that Tel was one of, if not the, most sought-after players in the January transfer window. It became clear toward the end of last week that Tel wanted to leave Bayern Munich for more game time and then a proper scrap for his signature started. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal all showed interest in the 19-year-old, but in the end, he chose Hotspur Way. Well, not at first. .. he reportedly said no initially before having his mind changed by Ange Postecoglou, although the Australian disputes those claims. Still, it was a much-needed boost to Tottenham's frontline in a season where everybody seems to be dropping down injured. I wouldn't be surprised if even the kit man has pulled their hammy. It will be interesting to see whether Potsecoglou thrusts Tel straight into the limelight this evening, or whether he is eased into the side. My guess is the latter, but that's all it is. .. a guess. By Harry Bamforth Oooh, a little bombastic side-eye from Mohamed Salah. That is the look of a man who is ready to wreak some havoc tonight. .. I mean, when doesn't he. Tottenham managed to keep him quiet last time out, but can they do it two games on the spin. If they do, they deserve to go through. By Harry Bamforth Ohh, I can just sense the atmosphere is going to be top-notch tonight. Liverpool fans only seem to greet the team bus when they are really up for the game, and that's exactly what they have done tonight. The Reds were welcomed by a large cohort of fans making a right racket (in a good way). If that hasn't motivated them, then I'm not sure what will. Just imagine what it is going to be like with 60, 00 people inside that ground. My eardrums are reading it, but my head is excited. By Harry Bamforth Alan Shearer, former Newcastle striker, speaking to Betfair: By Harry Bamforth It's another big night for Conor Bradley in his blossoming Liverpool career. It is already pretty certain that the right-back will be starting tonight after Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a knock in the win at Bournemouth. This is perhaps a sight Liverpool fans should get used to, I mean there are no guarantees that Alexander-Arnold will even be at the club next season. I'm sorry for opening that wound, but it's true. Bradley has the chance to show both Arne Slot and the fans that he is a worthy heir to the right-back spot this evening. I mean, he is not exactly a stranger to big games in a red shirt, he managed to pocket Kylian Mbappe in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Real Madrid in November. The Anfield faithful have adored him ever since, it's a compliment to the young lad that fans are not even worried about Alexander-Arnold being unavailable tonight. That's how good Bradley is. However, the Northern Irishman went off injured in the game against Los Blancos, and since his return, he just hasn't really been the same. Tonight is a big opportunity for him to get his form back. By Harry Bamforth I know that some of you reading the last post may have just said: 'Where are the match highlights? ' Well, I thought you may have wanted to relive the action of the first leg through my eyes, I swear I covered every important moment of that night there. But still, I am a people-pleaser so here you go. If you watch these highlights, you will realise that you didn't need to because the previous post was accurate enough. I promise I'm not bitter. By Harry Bamforth Just like Cher sings so brilliantly, it's time for us to turn back time. It feels like a lifetime since Tottenham and Liverpool competed in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. For Spurs, those really were the 'good old days'. .. A lot of people wrote them off going into that night, including me. Liverpool were supposed to run through them again like they did in December. But no, despite having a decimated squad, Spurs put in a performance to be proud of to take a lead going into the second leg at Anfield tonight. However, the game wasn't without controversy. Lucas Bergvall netted the winner for Ange Postecoglou's side, but a debate raged on over whether he should have even been on the pitch. Nevertheless, he was, and now Liverpool have a lot of work to do if they are to make it to Wembley. Can Spurs hold on, or will Liverpool come back? By Lewis Steele At Anfield By Harry Bamforth I have a feeling the Anfield crowd are really going to bring it tonight, they usually do in games like this. As the players line-up in the tunnel just before 8pm, this place is going to be absolutely bouncing. For now, though, it is deafly quiet. There is barely a single soul inside the great stadium right now, just the press, stewards, and the police. Also, if you are wondering why I added the picture of the Shankly Gates, I just think it looks beautiful, does it not. A cheeky little sunset photo never does anybody any harm. By Harry Bamforth Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham boss, speaking on Wednesday: By Harry Bamforth Tonight is absolutely huge for Tottenham. We all know that they are in dire need of silverware, it's talked about every year without fail. It's the ghost in their closet that they just can't get rid of. It's now been 17 years since they won their last trophy, the League Cup back in 2008. To put that into perspective, I was seven years old when Jonathan Woodgate lifted the trophy they are competing for tonight. Tonight feels like a better chance than ever for Spurs to go one step closer to the Carabao Cup final and finally banish their ghosts. Ange Postecoglou's side take a one-goal lead to Anfield and are just 90 minutes from a place in Wembley. It doesn't get much bigger than this for the north London side. If they manage to get past Liverpool, then it will just feel like their name is written on that cup, don't you think? Saying that, getting past the Reds is not exactly the easiest of tasks, they have only lost three games in all competitions this season. One of them was to Tottenham. .. in the first leg. It will take a mammoth effort for the visitors to come out the other side of this tie the evening, but my word what an achievement it would be if they did. I wonder how the nerves are right now on that team bus. By Harry Bamforth Arne Slot, Liverpool boss, speaking on Wednesday: By Harry Bamforth These Liverpool players have been here before, they know what it takes to reach a Carabao Cup final. But the man leading them into battle has not. .. When Jurgen Klopp left the club at the end of last season, I'm pretty sure even the most optimistic Reds fans did not expect under Arne Slot to go so smoothly. But my word, this Liverpool side have only gone strength to strength since the Dutchman took over. I mean, it actually still baffles me just how good they are. Tonight, Slot has the chance to make his first final as Reds boss just eight months after taking over from the man who won this competition on two occasions for them. It was Klopp's parting gift and it could possibly be Slot's welcome present. But it's not a given, Liverpool have to get past a Spurs side who are desperate for silverware. That's not just a throwaway comment either, the north London side want this so, so badly. Not many would bet against Liverpool at Anfield on a stage as big as this, but you really do just never know. What I do know, though, is that we are set for a bucketload of drama. By Harry Bamforth We simply have to talk about what happened yesterday evening before getting into anything else. I mean, it was one hell of a night at St James' Park. Heading into it, there were actually a fair few people thinking Arsenal would overturn the two-goal deficit from the first leg of the semi-final. Even the Magpies fans were bricking it after their side's form in the last few weeks, some of the supporters I know were in bits before the first whistle. But they had nothing to worry about, Newcastle bullied and battered Arsenal once again to soar through to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next month. Goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon in each half put the polish on what was a very one-sided tie. They didn't give the Gunners a sniff all night, the visitors crumbled in what was a cauldron of noise. They just couldn't cope under the bright lights of St James' Park. It was one of the best atmospheres I have ever witnessed, you could barely hear yourself think for most of the night. I imagine the Geordies will be even louder when 35, 000, or more, of them take to the capital next month. Newcastle are now just one game away from their first trophy in 56 years. .. By Harry Bamforth Hope, optimism, nerves, fear. .. these are all emotions that will be running through the Tottenham fanbase right now. So, nothing new really. I mean, actually, it is. Spurs are just one game away from the Carabao Cup final, against all the odds. Tonight, Ange Postecoglou and his side have the chance to go one step closer to ending the club's 17-year trophy drought. Well, it's not going to be easy. .. Premier League leaders, and arguably the best team in world football right now, Liverpool stand in their way. Tottenham lead the Reds by one goal after the first leg but this evening brace themselves for the roar of Anfield. History tells us that Spurs should get over the line, but on a big night under the lights on Merseyside, anything is possible Get your popcorn ready, it's going to be one hell of a night. Are you ready for chaos? I know I am. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group