Three key takeaways from Tottenham’s Carabao Cup defeat at Anfield as attacking inefficiency strikes again.
Tottenham Hotspur’s domestic cup ambitions were cut short on Tuesday evening as Roberto De Zerbi’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield. Coming off a frustrating goalless draw against Everton, Spurs extended their winless run on Merseyside to 18 matches dating back to May 2011, despite registering 17 shots across an energetic ninety minutes.
De Zerbi made eight changes to his starting XI, handing full debuts to Tosin Adarabioyo and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka while appointing 20-year-old Archie Gray as captain. While Spurs created several golden opportunities to alter the outcome, clinical strikes from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai proved decisive. These are the three main things we learned from an eventful night at Anfield.
1. Wasteful Finishing and Missed Chances Continue to Haunt De Zerbi’s Attack
Tottenham’s inability to capitalize on clear-cut openings was once again the central narrative of their performance. Despite registering 17 total shots, Spurs failed to punish Liverpool during crucial momentum shifts. Lucas Bergvall missed a golden hit from eight yards out just 12 minutes in, while Mohammed Kudus, making his first start since January 2026, blazed over the crossbar from six yards off Destiny Udogie’s low cross. Kudus looked understandably rusty in key moments, earning a 5/10 rating as his lack of match sharpness showed in the final third. While Conor Gallagher managed to pull a goal back with a well-directed header in the 69th minute, Spurs left far too many opportunities on the pitch. With only one goal scored across their last five matches in all competitions, De Zerbi must rapidly resolve his side’s clinical execution ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.
2. Conor Gallagher Provides Heart and Energy as James Maddison Offers Creative Hope
In an otherwise frustrating outcome, Conor Gallagher delivered an all-action performance in central midfield to earn a 7/10 rating. The midfielder displayed endless energy, setting up Bergvall’s early opportunity, battling tirelessly in central duels, and heading home Mateus Fernandes’ corner to give Spurs a second-half lifeline. While Gallagher’s technical execution remained occasionally erratic, his work rate and leadership were unquestionable. Additionally, the late introduction of James Maddison provided a significant boost for Spurs’ creative prospects. Featured off the bench for a bright cameo, Maddison looked dangerous throughout his brief appearance, picking out clever passes and driving through central channels. As the playmaker continues his step-up to full match fitness, his presence will be essential in unlocking stubborn low blocks in upcoming games.
3. Defensive Rotations Offer Mixed Results on Big Stage Debut
With De Zerbi shuffling eight players into the lineup, Tottenham’s rotated defensive unit experienced a mixed evening under pressure. Summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo turned in a solid 7/10 full debut at centre-back, executing his duties with composure and avoiding fault on any of Liverpool’s goals. Similarly, debutant goalkeeper Martin Dubravka earned a 7/10 rating, making a sharp one-on-one save against Lewis Koumas and denying Szoboszlai late on. However, structural lapses elsewhere proved costly. Wearing the captain’s armband, 20-year-old Archie Gray struggled at right-back, affording Cody Gakpo far too much space to turn and score Liverpool’s second goal before being outmuscled by Alexander Isak late in the match. Marcos Senesi also endured shaky moments early on, though he grew into the game in the second half. Against top-tier opposition, these subtle defensive errors proved the difference between staying in the tie and exiting the cup.
