Steve Nicol pinpoints two big Liverpool weaknesses during 1-0 loss to Tottenham

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Liverpool’s hopes of retaining the Carabao Cup trophy suffered a blow as they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the semifinal.

The Reds named a strong lineup against an injury-hit Tottenham squad but failed to make it count as a late goal from Lucas Bergvall did the trick for the hosts.

Arne Slot’s side can still make amends in the second leg, but successive draws against Manchester United and Tottenham have emerged as a cause for concern.

And Steve Nicol believes two aspects of Liverpool’s gameplay simply haven’t been good enough in 2025.

Steve Nicol criticises Liverpool’s performance vs Tottenham

Against Manchester United, Liverpool started quite well but allowed the Red Devils to grow into the game as they made it count with a deserved opening goal through Lisandro Martinez.

Liverpool did well to turn the tide in their favour but eventually had to settle for a point, but they lacked the control in midfield that has been a feature of their gameplay under Slot.

Against Tottenham, it was a similar story, although this time they took their time to grow into the game after a slow start.

Read More: Conor Bradley gives honest assessment of his performance during Liverpool’s loss against Tottenham

Nicol described Liverpool’s passing as ‘awful’ and added that they lacked control as the hosts recorded a smash-and-grab victory.

“Liverpool have to look at themselves,” said Nicol on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel.

“They basically carried on from where they left off against Manchester United. Their passing was awful and they just never had any control of the game.

“The two things they’ve done well almost the whole season in every single game – great passing and controlling the match. None of that tonight.”

Liverpool still in a good position

The Reds trail 1-0 but have a chance to make amends in the second leg at Anfield as they aim to make it through to the final.

Read More: Arne Slot explains what he was told about why Lucas Bergvall wasn’t sent off during Liverpool vs Tottenham

Their performances against Manchester United and Tottenham haven’t set the world alight, but in the grand scheme of things, they are still on course to reach their goals at the end of the season.

Liverpool are used to high standards, but sometimes it’s easy to forget that this is only Slot’s first few months in charge of the club owing to the start he’s made at Anfield.