Tottenham’s crucial win over Liverpool could save Ange Postecoglou’s job… two players stepped up when needed most
IT felt like the sort of night that could prove a turning point for Ange Postecoglou.
The under-fire Aussie watched his injury-ravaged Tottenham side beat Liverpool 1-0 in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
The first half was overshadowed by a scary incident involving midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who collapsed on the field.
Bentancur was stretchered off but later posted a positive update from his hospital bed.
Both teams appeared affected by the delay during a cagey opening 45 minutes in front of a nervy crowd.
Liverpool were well off their best, as the home side slowly grew into the occasion.
And it was two teenagers – match-winner Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray – who stepped up when needed for their manager.
Both stars, 18, have been called upon more than expected this season due to a mounting list of injuries and suspensions.
But they are both the sort of players Postecoglou needs if he is to bring silverware and stability to North London.
The teenagers showed commitment and courage on the ball in what was a vital game for both the club and his beleaguered boss.
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Bergvall played more key passes than any other Spurs player on the pitch.
And he popped up with the winner right at the end when it mattered most, keeping his composure to slot past Alisson in the Liverpool net.
The versatile Gray was a Rolls Royce at the back, showcasing the talent that made him such a breakthrough talent at Leeds.
This win could transform Tottenham’s season following a difficult run over the festive period.
Plenty wrote off Spurs before a ball was kicked, with Liverpool entering the contest unbeaten since September 14.
But if they hadn’t got something out of the game, it would have felt like a missed opportunity.
Pedro Porro left Postecoglou falling to his knees in despair after missing a sitter early in the second half.
And Dominic Solanke was denied by a narrow offside call as Spurs gained a foothold in the game.
Postecoglou has bemoaned Tottenham’s luck in recent weeks – but they got a huge slice of it when Bergvall wasn’t carded for a late lunge on Kostas Tsimikas.
It would have been the teenager’s second yellow of the game and came just minutes before he slotted in the winner.
With half of his missing personnel likely to be back by the time Spurs visit Anfield for the second leg, Ange will hope to get his team over the line.
It would represent a first shot at a trophy since Tottenham reached the Carabao Cup final against Man City in 2021.
Silverware is the one thing everyone at Spurs ultimately strives for.
And if Postecoglou can provide it, he will go down as a hero – regardless of how the season has panned out so far.
Should Spurs ultimately lift the Carabao Cup, they will look back on this performance as the one that sparked the turnaround.