Liverpool’s dominant performance in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur left Jamie Carragher unimpressed with Ange Postecoglou’s side, as the former defender brutally criticized Spurs for their lack of fight and inability to compete in big matches. According to Carragher, even League Two outfit Accrington Stanley provided Liverpool with a tougher challenge in the FA Cup than Tottenham managed at Anfield.
Liverpool March On to the Final, While Spurs Falter
Jurgen Klopp’s men secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a resounding 4-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk. The Premier League leaders, who have been in formidable form this season, will now prepare to face Newcastle United at Wembley on March 16, aiming to claim their first piece of silverware this campaign.
Tottenham, on the other hand, failed to register a single shot on target in what was a toothless and uninspiring display. The North London club never looked like troubling Liverpool and were completely outclassed from start to finish.
Carragher’s Ruthless Assessment of Spurs
Speaking in the Sky Sports studio after the game, Carragher held nothing back as he dismantled Tottenham’s mentality and inability to perform in high-stakes matches.
“It was never in doubt before the game. It’s Tottenham,” he said bluntly. “When do Tottenham ever win a big game? When do Tottenham ever go anywhere and surprise you by winning against the odds?
“The odds were massively in favor of Liverpool. They were playing at home, they are the best team in the country—possibly in Europe right now. But this isn’t just about this Spurs team. Tottenham never shock you, never do something extraordinary.”
Carragher then went on to highlight just how long it has been since Tottenham pulled off a memorable victory, pointing to their dramatic comeback against Ajax in the 2019 Champions League semi-final as the last time they truly defied expectations.
“I am trying to think of the last big game they won, and I’d probably have to go back to that Ajax game. I was in the stadium that night, and to be honest, they were very lucky. They got battered for most of the game.”
The former Liverpool defender emphasized that Tottenham’s struggles are not a new phenomenon, but rather a long-running issue with the club’s mentality.
“Whenever Spurs go into a big game, nobody genuinely believes they are going to win—not even their own fans. And that’s not me saying this as a Liverpool fan. Every Tottenham supporter in that stadium tonight knew deep down they weren’t going to Wembley.”
Accrington Stanley Put Up More of a Fight
Carragher didn’t stop there, as he went on to make a damning comparison between Spurs and Accrington Stanley, a League Two side that played Liverpool in the FA Cup third round last month.
“I’m not saying this just to create a headline,” he insisted. “But I genuinely think Accrington Stanley, despite Liverpool not playing their strongest team, gave them more trouble than Tottenham did tonight.”
The comparison highlights just how poor Tottenham’s performance was, as Carragher suggested that a fourth-tier side had shown more resilience and fight than a Premier League club chasing a top-four finish.
Postecoglou Under Scrutiny
The scrutiny on Spurs extended beyond just their Carabao Cup exit, as Carragher also questioned Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at the club. While the Australian manager received praise for his attacking style early in the season, Tottenham’s form in recent months has raised concerns.
“They’ve lost 20 of their last 45 games. That’s an awful lot,” Carragher pointed out. “Going back to that Chelsea game at home from last season, since then, their record has been horrendous.”
While injuries have played a role in Tottenham’s struggles, Carragher believes the problems go deeper than that.
“It’s not just about the injuries right now, which I do sympathize with. They’re having to play 18-year-olds, and I’d like to see Postecoglou given until the end of the season. But let’s not pretend this is a new issue—it’s been a problem since last season.”
Conclusion
Tottenham’s lackluster display at Anfield not only ended their Carabao Cup hopes but also reignited discussions about their inability to perform in big matches. Jamie Carragher’s ruthless criticism laid bare the deep-rooted issues at the club, from their mentality to their worrying form under Postecoglou.
With the Premier League season still underway, Spurs must find a way to respond. Otherwise, as Carragher suggests, they may continue to struggle when the pressure is on—just as they have for years.
Jamie Carragher ripped Spurs to shreds in brutally honest post-match analysis after Liverpool defeat
