Tottenham edged Liverpool 1-0 in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday, but the match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Lucas Bergvall.
The 18-year-old avoided a second yellow card for a late tackle on Kostas Tsimikas before scoring the decisive goal minutes later.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed frustration over the decision, stating, “The call significantly impacted the outcome. Every manager would prefer a second yellow card over playing advantage.”
Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, defended the decision, saying, “It wasn’t a cynical tackle, so the referee followed the guidelines.”
Bergvall capitalized on the counterattack, slotting home his first Spurs goal after Dominic Solanke’s assist in the 86th minute.
Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Tottenham’s resilient performance offered hope as Postecoglou aims to secure the club’s first trophy since 2008.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Anfield on February 6.
Slot remains optimistic, adding, “It’s not ideal, but we have the chance to respond in front of our fans.”
