Liverpool eliminate Tottenham from League Cup

Striker Daniel Sturridge exploded with a double to help Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 in the fourth round of the English League Cup.

Liverpool won at home at Anfield. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Sturridge (9', 64') - Janssen (penalty 76').

Liverpool took an early lead with Sturridge opening the scoring after a close-range finish. The home side were buoyed by the early goal and continued to threaten Tottenham's goal, but had to wait until the second half to double their lead. Sturridge broke the offside trap and raced down to beat Michel Vorm in a one-on-one situation.

Tottenham made the match more interesting in the final minutes when they scored a goal from the penalty spot. Erik Lamela was fouled in the box, allowing striker Vincent Janssen to easily score.

Sturridge almost completed his hat-trick with an improvised shot that hit Tottenham's crossbar before the referee blew the final whistle. The 2-1 scoreline sent Liverpool through to the quarter-finals of the English League Cup.

In the match on the evening of October 25, both coaches Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino rotated their squads and put their trust in young players. 13 players in the starting lineup of both teams were under 23 years old, making the match a contest of new faces.

Sturridge, who had been on the bench in recent matches, became the biggest star on the pitch and quickly proved his class. Sturridge's performance seemed to send a message to coach Klopp about his recent lack of regular starting time. The English striker became a constant threat to Tottenham's goal. In addition to the two goals, Sturridge had at least three opportunities to score but was blocked by goalkeeper Michel Vorm and the crossbar.

Tottenham, with eight U23s in their starting line-up, were unable to keep up with Liverpool for much of the game. It was only when Erik Lamela and Victor Wanyama came on that the visitors had any real chances. Lamela's arrival quickly paid off, with Janssen's penalty bringing the game level. The Argentine also created a great chance but Shayon Harrison missed with a long ball.

Liverpool could have finished the game with a bigger score but Danny Ings could not beat Michel Vorm in a favorable one-on-one situation. The Dutch goalkeeper was Tottenham's best player, denying the home team's shots on several occasions, including two from outside the box by Sturridge and Origi.

According to VNE