The Mirror

The EFL Cup semi-final first leg will see reigning champions Liverpool go head-to-head with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. Given the recent defensive lapses from both sides, an action-packed match is anticipated.

Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the semi-final following a thrilling 4-3 win against Manchester United in the previous round. However, that marked the end of their winning streak as they've failed to secure a victory in their last four games, including a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United in their most recent Premier League encounter.

This losing streak has brought Tottenham's defensive woes into sharp focus, with the team unable to maintain a clean sheet in their last five matches across all competitions. Moreover, both teams have managed to score in the second half in four of Tottenham's last six home games.

On the other hand, Liverpool advanced to the semi-final after securing a narrow 2-1 win over Southampton, thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliot. The Reds continue to dominate this season, holding their position at the top of the Premier League while also performing well in other competitions.

Despite starting the season with a robust defence, Liverpool has recently shown signs of struggle, failing to keep a clean sheet in four out of their last five games. Interestingly, most of their games have seen more goals scored in the second half, as observed in five of their last seven away matches across all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool Odds

Spurs - 7/2 (CopyBet)

Draw - 7/2 (CopyBet)

Liverpool - 3/5 (CopyBet)

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool Betting Tips

Both teams to score - 4/9 (CopyBet)

Liverpool to win and over 2.5 goals - 20/21 (CopyBet)

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Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool clash in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup this evening (January 8), each team with hopes of securing their spot in March's final.

With the Premier League title race seemingly out of the picture for Spurs, Ange Postecoglou will hope to get his hands on some sort of silverware in the form of a domestic cup - the north London outfit currently languishing at 12th in the English top flight, 22 points from the top.

His side will welcome a relentless Liverpool to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight for the semi-final first leg. Arne Slot's Reds have been in impeccable form during the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, currently sitting first in the standings - six points clear of second-place Arsenal with a game in hand on the Gunners.

Both Liverpool and Spurs will hope to gain an advantage on one another heading into the second leg at Anfield on February 6. With an exciting evening of football ahead, Mirror Football breaks down how you can keep tabs on Spurs vs Liverpool.

What time is Spurs vs Liverpool?

Spurs vs Liverpool will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening (Wednesday, January 8). Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm.

How to watch Spurs vs Liverpool

While Newcastle United's semi-final first leg against Arsenal was broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX last night, fans hoping to watch the Spurs vs Liverpool game will only be able to do so with a Sky Sports subscription. The game will be shown on Sky Sports Football.

It comes after Sky Sports, ITV and the EFL agreed that selected Carabao Cup fixtures will be shown on a free-to-air basis - with the return leg of Liverpool vs Spurs available to watch and stream via ITV1 and ITVX next month. The agreement began this month, and will run until the end of the 2026/27 season, meaning that ITV will broadcast a number of games which are also available to watch via Sky Sports.

Coverage of Spurs vs Liverpool starts on Sky Sports Football at 7pm. Sky Sports can be added to any Sky TV package for an additional £20 per month for all nine sports channels, while new customers can pick up Sky Sports and Netflix through Sky Stream for £35 per month.

Sky Sports customers will be able to stream the game through the Sky Go App on their smartphone or tablet as part of their subscription, while the game can also be watched via a NOW TV day membership or monthly subscription.

Son Heung-min will enter his 11th season with Tottenham after signing a contract extension with the club, but you have to wonder if time is finally catching up with the long-serving forward.

No Tottenham fan wants to see the South Korean star leave the club after a decade of stellar service that has seen him become the fourth-highest goalscorer in the club's history with 169 strikes, making 431 appearances along the way.

But he will be 34 by the time his next deal finishes at the end of 2026 and there has already been signs this season that he is starting to slow down.

Son has become famed for his electric pace and whirlwind runs down the wing in his time at Spurs, but that has faded in the last two seasons and it's hurt his performances.

He's produced no goals or assists in his last four league games, with his five Premier League goals spread sporadically across the season - at a time when this struggling Spurs side desperately need him to step up. He's become renowned for his goal involvements, with 54 in the top flight since the 2022-23 season, but in this campaign he has not been the same talismanic presence for Tottenham.

Son was brilliant in the 5-0 win over a poor Southampton side on December 15 but in the five games before that his only involvements were a consolation strike in the 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea and a solitary assist in the 4-0 win at Manchester City.

There can be no doubt over the commercial significance of Son's presence at Spurs. Since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, hordes of South Korean fans have flocked to north London to catch a glimpse of the forward, who is a huge superstar in his home country. Fast forward to present day and the sea of Korean fans has increased, with many of them rushing to the club's superstore to buy shirts and merchandise.

A recent report by The Times claimed that even when Harry Kane was at the club, fans bought more Son shirts than the England forward, selling around 700 per matchday. Since his departure to Bayern Munich last season, that figure is believed to have increased to nearly 1,000.

Son is a crucial component of Tottenham's commercial deals after becoming a brand ambassador for their shirt sponsor AIA - with his face featured prominently in their advertising campaigns across Asia.

So it's no surprise that Tottenham have decided to keep him at the club even when he's not performing. It goes without saying that his experience and leadership is an invaluable asset to Ange Postecoglou's side as the club captain and his infectious personality and popularity in the dressing room will always be a plus.

But the club already look to be making contingency plans and looking to life after Son after signing 18-year-old Yang Min-hyeok from Gangwon FC after emerging as South Korea's next big talent.

Tottenham will be desperate for Yang to follow in Son's footsteps and bring in a similar commercial pull from the Asian market, but he still has a long way to go before establishing himself in the team.

It's clear that Son, however, is thinking about the end of his career after acknowledging that he doesn't have long left at the top level earlier this season.

Speaking in October, he said: "I’m 32, sadly, so for me every single game is one that I want to take really seriously, because every game that passes, I know it’s never going to come back. So every single game I want to take seriously and treat it like it’s the last game of my career."

Son certainly hasn't been playing like every game is the last game of his career but with the club in turmoil after an injury crisis and a woeful run of one win in eight games, retaining a player of his quality on board is not a bad outcome by any means.

The Carabao Cup semi-finals takes place this week as a spot at Wembley comes into view.

Arsenal kick-off the semi-finals on Tuesday evening as they welcome Newcastle to the Emirates Stadium. The two sides then meet again next month in the second-leg of their last four clash.

Meanwhile, the Gunners’ North London rivals are also in action. Tottenham have a tough task in an effort to reach Wembley as they come up against current Premier League leaders Liverpool. Their first game takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of next month’s second-leg at Anfield.

And while the Reds are arguably the favourites for the trophy, they might not actually *need* it the most. But who does? Mirror Football takes a look…

Newcastle’s lack of trophies has been well-documented over recent seasons - and even more so since their big-money Saudi takeover. The club’s owners are keen to end that drought, something that Eddie Howe has been made abundantly aware of.

The former Bournemouth boss has gotten close on claiming that much-desired trophy on a few occasions. Newcastle reached the final of the Carabao Cup in 2023 only to be beaten by Manchester United at Wembley.

They also reached the quarter-finals of both cup competitions last term. While it would be harsh, there have been suggestions that Newcastle’s owners could opt to make a change should they fail to win a trophy under Howe. It goes without saying that many at the club need the trophy then.

Who will win the Carabao Cup this season? Share your predictions in the comments below

From one trophy drought to another now, Tottenham’s last piece of silverware was infamously the League Cup back in 2008. Like Newcastle, they have gone close on a number of occasions.

They reached the Carabao Cup and Champions League finals under Mauricio Pochettino, while they also reached another League Cup final in 2021. They have been left frustrated over recent seasons.

Spurs did not go past the fourth round of the FA Cup last term. And with the pressure cranking up on Ange Postecoglou amid a dismal Premier League season, he could certainly do with silencing the criticism by delivering a trophy. It would also bring with it a place in Europe, which is no guarantee in the league at this stage.

From one half of North London to another, Mikel Arteta could also do with claiming a trophy this season. The Spaniard enjoyed a brilliant start to life at the Emirates Stadium by winning the FA Cup in his debut campaign.

Apart from the Community Shield, Arsenal haven’t won anything since. That’s not to say they haven’t impressed. The Gunners have challenged for the Premier League crown over the last two seasons, only to be edged out by Manchester City.

A trophy would convince Arsenal fans that Arteta is the man to continue leading the North London side into the future.

It’s not that Liverpool don’t need the Carabao Cup, it’s just that they’ve probably got bigger fish to fry this season. Arne Slot has the Reds challenging for the Premier League and Champions League this season, which will likely be their priorities.

That’s not to say Slot won’t want to win the cup. The Dutchman will love a trophy in his debut season, which would instantly make the season a success if they fail to win any more silverware.

Of course, a defeat would be annoying for Liverpool and Slot but it wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Reds.

Furious Ange Postecoglou claimed he had never been angrier in his career after blaming Tottenham ’s latest defeat on Newcastle ’s controversial equaliser. "If it was an even playing field, we'd have won that game," claimed the Spurs boss.

The emotional Aussie insisted he was “hugely proud” of his Spurs squad hit by injury and illness. Third-choice keeper Brandon Austin started in goal and the only recognised centre-back Radu Draguisin went off ill at half-time after a bug hit the squad.

But Postecoglou was left sick by Anthony Gordon’s sixth-minute equaliser after the ball hit Joelinton ’s hand in the build-up and referee Andrew Madley ruled his arm was “in a natural position and the contact was accidental”.

The Tottenham boss seethed: “I’m shattered the boys didn’t get the rewards they deserved because we were outstanding, our football was outstanding against a very good opponent. It was a game we deserved to win and on any other day we would have won. I take my hat off to the players. I am really, really angry - as angry as I have ever been i think in my career - that we were denied the right rewards for a fantastic performance

“I think it’s clear. Now whether people agree with me or not whether it wasn’t handball or it was accidental, I’m just not interested in any of that discussion. What I’m saying is, on any given day with a fair and even playing field and logical thought processes we would have won that game, that’s it.

Eddie Howe said: "There's no denying the ball hit Joe's hand or arm but I'm not sure of the rules. I believe his arm was down and ref and VAR have followed the protocol in place. I have just got to concentrate on us. I thought we were dominant in the first half today.”

Newcastle have now won three consecutive Premier League away games after victories at Ipswich and Manchester United - and return to North London to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday.

"We had to dig deep today,” said Howe. “It was a tough win but a massive one.”

Swedish striker Alexander Isak netted his ninth goal in seven Premier League games for the first-half winner. "He was in the right place at the right time,” added Howe. That's an art. He's on a hot streak, long may that continue.”

Thomas Tuchel took in a Premier League match for the first time since taking over as England manager, watching the Saturday lunchtime kick-off between Tottenham and Newcastle.

The German took over in his new role on January 1, but wasn't present at Brentford when the Bees took on Arsenal later that same day. He was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, though, and was treated to plenty of early goalmouth action.

Spurs went in front inside four minutes through Dominic Solanke, only to be pegged back by Anthony Gordon's strike moments later. Newcastle then took the lead before half-time as Alexander Isak scored for a seventh straight match - with Isak's goal proving to be the winner.

Tuchel has plenty of time to cast his eye on the league's top English talent, and already got a good look during his time as Chelsea boss. He won't take charge of an international game until March, with Albania visiting in the opening World Cup qualifier.

Plenty of England hopefuls were in action in North London and keen to impress the watching Tuchel. Here, Mirror Football looks at who might have done their international hopes a world of good.

Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke was handed an England recall during Lee Carsley's interim spell in charge, making substitute appearances against Greece and Ireland. With a new international boss to impress, though, he might be on the lookout for even more action.

His early goal was very well-taken, with the former Bournemouth man showing strength and attacking instincts to head beyond Martin Dubravka. However, his instincts felt a little less well-honed early in the second half when he stretched for a loose ball and could only connect with the Newcastle keeper.

Who impressed you most during Tottenham vs Newcastle? Let us know in the comments section

One would expect Tuchel to persist with Harry Kane, having got the best out of the England captain at Bayern Munich last season. Solanke, however, will feel he is in the conversation.

Anthony Gordon

Gordon hardly needs to prove himself to Tuchel, after catching the eye of the German while playing for Everton. Tuchel was Chelsea's manager at the time, and pushed hard to bring the winger to Stamford Bridge.

Ultimately, Gordon joined Newcastle when he left Everon in January 2023. The £40million fee felt substantial at the time, but he has established himself well.

Gordon's well-taken equaliser at Tottenham made it two goals and three assists in the last five games. He scored his first senior international goal under Carsley, and his versatility across the front three will no doubt keep him on Tuchel's radar - even if he spurned a presentable chance to score his second of the afternoon just before the hour mark.

Tino Livramento

Livramento only played half an hour at Manchester United after replacing Kieran Trippier, but he came back in for his compatriot in North London. The 22-year-old made his senior England debut in the 5-0 victory over Ireland back in November, but will feel capable of adding to that tally.

There was a moment in the first half when the former Southampton man kept his cool in the face of a run from the rapid Timo Werner, bursting forward to snuff out the danger

Livramento was allowed to leave Tuchel's Chelsea without playing a senior game, but has kicked on since and bounced back well from a long-term injury lay-off. Both he and fellow full-back Lewis Hall - a man handed his senior debut by Tuchel at Chelsea - could yet find themselves lining up on opposite flanks for country as well as club..

The January transfer window has arrived, though it has been a quiet start for Premier League teams.

Manchester United are one of the clubs expected to be busy following Ruben Amorim's dreadful start as manager. But the Red Devils will likely need to sell before they can bring in any reinforcements, given their precarious position with the league's financial rules, and a move for Viktor Gyokeres will have to wait.

Top of the list of those heading out the door is Marcus Rashford, who has made it clear he is ready for a new challenge. Elsewhere, Liverpool's window is likely to be dominated by the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

They have already rejected a bid from Real Madrid for Alexander-Arnold, while Salah has hinted this will be his 'final year' at Anfield. Arsenal will also hope to be busy as they shore up Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of the run-in.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are set to respond to their injury crisis with a move for Antonin Kinsky. Bournemouth and Southampton have made early new additions of their own, while relegation-threatened Ipswich are looking to get business donw.

Football fans were divided after Joelinton appeared to handle the ball just before Newcastle's equaliser against Tottenham on Saturday.

The game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium started in electric fashion as Dominic Solanke put an injury-ravaged Spurs in front with a brilliant diving header from Pedro Porro's cross in the fourth minute.

Just two minutes later Newcastle were level after Gordon fired a shot into the far corner from Bruno Guimaraes' pass, though Spurs players were fuming after claiming Joelinton had handled just before supplying the ball to Guimaraes.

Tottenham were guilty of sloppy play while passing out from the back and Bergvall attempted to get rid of a loose ball, only to smash it against the hand of Joelinton. However, the referee refused to chalk off the goal despite the protests as the Brazilian's hands were by his sides.

There was a mixed reaction to the decision, with many insisting it was "ball to hand" and that Joelinton could do little about it given how fast the ball was travelling.

"There's nothing he can do to get out way BUT if that all happened inside the box it would've been ruled out I feel," a supporter wrote on Twitter.

Another pointed out that rules had been tweaked in the Premier League, with only the goalscorer penalised for accidental handballs this season.

But others claimed Newcastle would not have been able to score without the ball hitting his hand and said it should have been ruled out.

Another said: "The goal DOES NOT happen without the handball!! They have gained an advantage from the ball hitting his hand. How is it not handball?

One fan called it "an absolute joke of a decision, while a tweet from another read: "How has that not been overturned? Joelinton literally intercepts the ball with his hand."

Pundit Curtis Jones was baffled by the call on BBC 5 Live, saying: "Spurs.... again giving the ball away. The ball is played by Lucas Bergvall and he is trying to play it wide. Joelinton gets the block and then a simple ball into Anthony Gordon. I have no idea about the handball rule anymore."

A statement from the Premier League explained the decision. It said: : "The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental."

Tottenham fans will rue the decision to give the goal as Newcastle later gained the momentum before going ahead just before half time thanks to Alexander Isak's fifth goal in three games.

Newcastle's equaliser at Tottenham was allowed to stand after it was deemed Joelinton's handball was accidental.

Spurs had opened the scoring against Newcastle after just four minutes with Dominic Solanke heading the home side into the lead. But they were pegged back just two minutes later when Anthony Gordon fired home following a loss of possession at the back for Spurs.

However, Ange Postecoglou's side immediately believed the Magpies' response would be cancelled with the ball striking Joelinton's arm in the immediate build up. The Brazilian intercepted a pass from Lucas Bergvall, but only after the ball ricocheted off his hand.

The goal was checked by VAR officials at Stockley Park, who backed up on-field referee Andrew Madley's initial decision. It was determined Joelinton's hand was in a natural position at his side.

A statement from the Premier League read: "The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental."

Former Premier League defender Curtis Davies, working as a pundit on BBC Radio 5 Live said of the goal: "Spurs....again giving the ball away.

"The ball is played by Lucas Bergvall and he is trying to play it wide. Joelinton gets the block and then a simple ball into Anthony Gordon. I have no idea about the handball rule anymore."

There was similar confusion from social media users watching the game, with one saying: "Literally the perfect example of handball – intentional or not," while another said: "It was kicked at his hand he didn’t move his hand toward the ball..."

Tottenham's fury was compounded later in the first half when Joelinton avoided punishment for what appeared to be an elbow in the face of Bergvall. Replays showed contact was made, but VAR decided they didn't need to intervene.

Dan Burn then escaped a second yellow card for another handball offence. The Toon defender put his arms out wide and blocked a Spurs pass, but despite already being cautioned, Madley opted to give him another chance.

After a more serene period of action, in-form Newcastle took control of the game when Alexander Isak tapped home at the far post to complete a first-half comeback.

Tottenham are close to signing Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Spurs have been without first-choice stopper Guglielmo Vicario since he fractured his ankle during the 4-0 win over Manchester City on November 23. Fraser Forster initially deputised to good effect but Tottenham have only won two of their last 10 games in all competitions amid an injury crisis and Forster has made a number of high-profile errors.

That has forced the club to move to bring in Kinsky, who undergoes a medical on Saturday and will join Spurs in an initial £12.5million deal with add-ons. The Czech Republic Under-21 international has made 29 appearances for Slavia Prague this season and kept 14 clean sheets.

After Kinsky started his career at Dukla Prague, he moved across the city to join Slavia in 2021 and following loan spells with Vyskov and Pardubice, he has established himself as a regular, but will now continue his career in England with Spurs and will have an opportunity to stake a claim for the No.1 spot under boss Ange Postecoglou - who has shown his willingness to offer opportunities to young players.

Spurs had been monitoring a number of other goalkeepers too, including out-of-favour Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone.

But it's Kinsky to whom they've turned after a dire recent run since Vicario went down. Postecoglou called his injury a shock back on November 27 after the Italian played through the pain to finish the match at the Etihad.

It is a shock that has continued to cause Spurs problems since and the hope is Kinsky's arrival will help get the side back on a stronger footing defensively - particularly when centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven return.