Tottenham manager Anger Postecoglou admitted his side had “showed too much growth” despite recent results after Tottenham beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Teenager Lucas Bergval netted his first goal for the club four minutes from time to end Liverpool’s 24-game unbeaten run and give Tottenham a slight advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield in a month’s time.
The win was Tottenham’s first since winning their last eight against Manchester United as Postekoglou’s side look to revitalize their season.
Win the first game!
pic.twitter.com/ktX5W2OTjA
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2025
However, the match was marred in the first half when Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a very serious injury and was taken to hospital.
Postecoglou said Bentancur was now conscious but acknowledged he did not have “all the information.”
Speaking about his team’s performance, the Spurs manager was quick to praise his players.
“I thought we deserved it that night,” Postecoglou told Sky Sports.
“The players gave everything and I’m really happy that they are rewarded.
“We always have to deal with adversity. It’s amazing to think how many 18-year-olds there are in the world. I see so much growth, but it’s just overshadowed by our poor showing.
“But it’s only half-time and it’s not easy to get to Liverpool.”
One of the main talking points after the match was whether Bergvall, the match winner, should have been on the pitch to score the goal.
Ange Postecoglou has passionately defended the decision to keep Lucas Bergvall on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/doOpVc0BEE
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 8, 2025
Just before finding the goal, Sweden fouled Konstantinos Tsimikas, who had already received a yellow card, but referee Stuart Attwell decided not to book him.
Asked if his player was lucky to be on the pitch, the Spurs manager defended the decision. “We’ve been screaming for it for months and it’s been happening to us consistently.
“If the advantage is played, the yellow is not played unless it is a cynical tackle. It was very clear to me.”
Spurs’ next game is away to National League side Tamworth in the FA Cup third round Proper on Sunday.
