Liverpool smash Spurs to reach League Cup final – Football Weekly Extra
Feb 7, 2025
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Liverpool's thrilling 4-0 triumph over Tottenham steals the spotlight, showcasing their tactical brilliance and sparking debates over Spurs' struggles. The podcast dives into Chelsea's financial sway over women's football, raising alarms about competitive imbalance. Personal anecdotes about family ties to Plymouth add a heartfelt touch to the broader discussion on league challenges. The episode also tackles the dark side of online abuse faced by athletes, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and support in sports.
55:09
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Quick takeaways
Liverpool's impressive 4-0 victory over Tottenham underscores their tactical superiority and player performance, positioning them as strong contenders in the League Cup.
Tottenham's struggles reveal significant managerial and squad depth issues under Ange Postecoglou, leading to concerns over their competitive viability this season.
The troubling rise of racist abuse in football highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action against discrimination from all corners of the sport.
Deep dives
Liverpool's Dominance Over Spurs
Liverpool's commanding performance against Tottenham showcased their strength in the League Cup semi-finals, winning 4-0 at Anfield. After initially trailing, Liverpool turned the game around effortlessly, demonstrating superior skills, particularly from players like Gakpo, Salah, and Soboslai. Tottenham's lack of shots on target highlighted their poor performance, raising questions about their overall fitness and tactical execution in the game. The defeat was a significant low for Spurs, as they struggled to contain a rampant Liverpool side, leading to intense criticism from commentators regarding their lackluster display.
Ange Postecoglou's Challenges
Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham faces scrutiny as injuries and ineffective tactics contributed to the team's disappointing results. Critics argue that while Spurs started with energy, their difficulties stem from a thin squad and questionable depth management. Postecoglou's approach has been highlighted as a gamble that has not paid off, especially in light of ongoing injuries affecting key players. The reliance on a small group of fit players has left the team vulnerable and struggling to maintain the high-energy style that characterized their early season.
Liverpool's Path to the Quadruple
Liverpool is on a promising path towards achieving the quadruple, maintaining remarkable form under their current management. Their tactical discipline and player performances, particularly from new recruits like Gravenberch, illustrate the team's depth and resilience. While struggling in past transfer windows, Liverpool's recent performances demonstrate that their existing squad remains competitive and adaptable. The synergy among players and a relentless pursuit of victory suggest that they could very well dominate more competitions in the current season.
Women's Football Financial Landscape
Chelsea's significant investments in women's football have sparked debate regarding the financial dynamics in the Women’s Super League. The record signing of top players has led to concerns from rival clubs about the potential for monopolization within the league, mirroring issues faced in men's football. Critics argue that while financial muscle is important, it could stifle competitiveness and growth across the league if only a few teams dominate. The discussion emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach to investment in women’s football to foster healthy competition and excitement amongst fans.
Addressing Racism in Football
The alarming rise of racist abuse directed at players, like Manchester City's Khadija Shaw, has raised serious concerns about the culture surrounding football. The incidents not only highlight a persistent problem within the sport but also emphasize the toll that such abuse can take on players' mental health. Responses from clubs and players illustrate a growing recognition of the need for solidarity and action against discrimination in football. The effectiveness of such measures, however, largely depends on sustained efforts from both authorities and social media platforms to combat online abuse comprehensively.
Robyn Cowen is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lucy Ward and Jonathan Liew as Liverpool make light work of the League Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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