Liverpool faced Tottenham in Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, with the Lilywhites snatching a narrow victory despite Liverpool dominating in most areas. The Reds struggled to find the back of the net, coming close when Trent Alexander-Arnold unleashed a powerful shot after Kinsky’s error, only for Dragusin to make an impressive goal-line clearance. A notable decision from Arne Slot was starting Conor Bradley in place of the under-fire Alexander-Arnold.
The Right-back was under fire after his disappointing performance against Manchester United on Sunday, leaving little room for complaint about Slot’s decision to bench him. However, with Conor Bradley still regaining full fitness, the Liverpool head coach substituted him with half an hour remaining, bringing Alexander-Arnold back into the spotlight. The right-back made a significant impact as a substitute, earning widespread praise from pundits for his impressive performance and influence on the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘absolutely brilliant’ against Tottenham
Liverpool’s defeat was undoubtedly disappointing, but it felt like an outcome that had been looming. The Reds have ridden their luck in recent weeks to preserve their 24-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. If a loss was inevitable, this match was perhaps the least damaging to suffer it in. Still, one undeniable positive from the evening was Alexander-Arnold’s performance.
The 26-year-old played with determination, showcasing his quality on the ball from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. Trent nearly opened the scoring with an impressive effort, controlling a rebound and firing a low shot toward the Spurs goal. However, Radu Dragusin’s timely goal-line clearance denied him. Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith praised the attempt, highlighting Alexander-Arnold’s sharpness in the moment.
Alan Smith was impressed with the Scouser’s effort
“What a strike form Alexander-Arnold this is, from a really difficult angle,” said Smith. “Have a look at that. Dragusin just ducking back behind his keeper, doing what all good defenders do. That is as clean as you like from Alexander-Arnold.”
“He’s made a difference with the ball, absolutely brilliant when he came on,” the pundit later added on Liverpool’s No.66.”
Alan Smith praised Alexander-Arnold’s strike, highlighting the difficulty of the angle and the quality of the effort. He noted Dragusin’s timely clearance off the line but acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s clean strike. Smith also commended the Liverpool right-back’s overall impact, stating that he made a significant difference with the ball after coming on.
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The moody, lazy body language from Sunday was nowhere to be seen, replaced by the fiery, committed Trent Alexander-Arnold that fans know and love. While his contract situation remains a talking point, if he continues to perform at this level, Liverpool supporters will have little to argue. Despite the result, this display from Trent signals positive news for the club in the long run.
