Tottenham edged out Liverpool in a controversial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Lucas Bergvall gave Spurs a narrow lead to take at Anfield – but Liverpool were furious that the 18-year-old was on the pitch to make the decisive contribution four minutes from time.
Bergvall was on a yellow card when he caught Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas late in an incident not seen by referee Stuart Attwell.
Tsimikas was still off the field when Bergvall scored moments later, provoking a furious reaction from head coach Arne Slot, who was booked.
Spurs deserved victory after Pedro Porro missed a good chance and Dominic Solanke had a goal ruled out for offside, but the manner of their victory will leave a bitter taste for Liverpool, who suffered only their second defeat under Slot.
-Liverpool came close when substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot was cleared off the line by Radu Dragusin, but it was a very disappointing performance from the Premier League leaders.
And the victory for Postecoglou’s side, who were already without 10 players through injury and illness, came after losing Rodrigo Bentancur amid worrying scenes early on. He fell in the penalty area and was taken off on a stretcher with a neck brace after 10 minutes of treatment.
It was later confirmed that he was conscious, talking and would undergo further checks at hospital.
