Liverpool knew a fast start was the order of the day as they attempted to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday.
The Reds were unlucky to lose the first-leg at Tottenham but were up against it at Anfield as a result.
Arne Slot sent a strong Liverpool team out to get the job done against Spurs, with a midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai getting the nod.
With Ange Postecoglou’s team sitting deep and holding their lead, Liverpool could not get the quick goal they could have really done with.
The start was good, though, and commentating on ITV, pundit Ally McCoist picked out Gravenberch in particular for an ‘interesting’ tactical manoeuvre.
Ally McCoist spots Ryan Gravenberch tactic
Slot was keen to point out his use of Gravenberch in a slightly different way during Saturday’s win over Bournemouth.
The Liverpool head coach wanted to double-up on Cherries left-back Milos Kerkez and asked his Dutch compatriot to tuck in on the Reds right.
During the early stages of Thursday night, it was clear that Slot had asked for the same tactic to be deployed.
Watching on from the gantry box, McCoist spotted it in action.
“I tell you what’s an interesting one,” noted the ebullient Scot.
“Gravenberch following back with Salah every time they [Tottenham] get the ball. Just watch him next time.”
Cody Gakpo puts Liverpool in-front
Gravenberch was not necessarily at his best during the first-half against Spurs. Not many Liverpool players were.
But there’s one man who the Reds can always count on to turn up in the Carabao Cup: Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo only needed one chance to put Liverpool into the lead, and he took it with aplomb – volleying home at Antonin Kinsky’s near post.
“It’s a lovely finish from Gakpo,” McCoist raved. “You can just see him, he know he’s hitting it first time, he knows he’s keeping it down.”
A terrific goal for Gakpo on a night where Liverpool really needed him.
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