For the first time since 2015, Tottenham will play a final in English competition and will have the opportunity to win the trophy, which was last lifted by Juande Ramos’ team with Bale and Modric in 2008. In the first semi-final of the Carabao Cup, Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 (1-0) at home and advanced to the final match.
Jose Mourinho will have the opportunity to win the League Cup for the fifth time in his career, for the first time as a Tottenham manager, as he has previously succeeded three times with Chelsea and once with Manchester United. Mourinho entered the history of the competition as only the third manager who managed to reach the League Cup final with three different clubs (Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham). Before him, Ron Atkinson (Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa) and Ron Sounders (Norwich, Manchester City, Aston Villa) succeeded.
Mourinho decided to play almost his strongest team and Son and Kane led the team from London to the offensive right from the very beginning. After a quiet fifteen minutes, ” The Lilywhites ” took the lead from their first real threat. Reguilon picked out Moussa Sissoko with a brilliant cross and the spurs midfilder scored by steering the ball into the top corner with a great header (1-0).
After the goal, the Premier League’s side left the ball to the guests, but Brentford hardly created many chances. However, at the beginning of the second half, Brentford’ scored with a close range header, but the VAR room signaled an illegal position and the goal was justifiably annulled.
Confirmation of the victory came five minutes later, when Ndombele beautifully passed the ball in space for Son, and he routinely beat Raja (2-0). Mourinho withdrew the key players in the last part of the match to save them for the next matches and the host easily brought the match to an end. Brentford finished the match with ten players, due to the exclusion of Dasilva in the 84th minute.
“It was a match that took us to the finals at Wembley, probably empty, although I hope it will not be empty. No matter what, I’m very happy. We played London derbies and other important matches, but this match took us to the finals. There is a lot of time until then, about three months, and that is why we will temporarily put that final in our pocket. Before that, we have to focus on the upcoming matches in the FA Cup and the Premier League, and then in the Europa League. So, for now, we will forget about that final. But when April comes, we must be ready to fight for the trophy” stated Mourinho with satisfaction.
Tottenham are currently 4th in the Premier League, they still have a chance to win it although it will be very difficult. Until the League Cup final in April their biggest wish is to keep all players fit.
Brentford on the other hand is again in the top part of the English Championship and they are hoping to be promoted to the Premier League as they were unfortunate not to do so last season.
Tottenham’s opponent in the April final at Wembley will be the winner of second semifinal between Manchester United and Manchester City.
