Liverpool continued their fine display this term under manager Jurgen Klopp.

They defeated Tottenham 2-1 in the EFL Cup to advance to the last eight. Daniel Sturridge grabbed a brace during the keenly contested game at Anfield. Vincent Janssen scored Spurs’ only goal but they could not get the equalizer to extend the game beyond regular time.

Both coaches, Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino played young players during the clash. Georges-Kevin N’Koudou was decent until he slipped and allowed Sturridge get the opening goal. Josh Onomah got a chance to play but he struggled against the Reds. Harry Winks showed better quality in central midfield, winning the praise of his coach. Pochettino said the 20-year old player was a “very important player for the future,” and that he played well. Liverpool’s midfield was quite physical but Winks managed it well. Winks’ passing accuracy was 91.2 percent – the highest of all players that started the duel.

Daniel Sturridge showed his quality despite a tough time the past few weeks. He was criticized for his poor showing during the goalless draw with Manchester United. He was unused when Liverpool defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1. However, during the clash with Spurs, Sturridge rose to the occasion to shame critics of his work rate and team effort in games. He converted Georginio Wijnaldum’s through ball to get his second goal. After the game, a satisfied Klopp said:

“He could have scored three or four but he was really good. That’s his big strength and he showed it again.”

Tottenham’s Janssen worked tirelessly but he could not get more goals. Kieran Trippier sent in a cross that he headed wide. In the first half, he sent a shot that tested Liverpool shot stopper Simon Mignolet. Lucas Leiva fouled Erik Lamela, and he converted the resulting penalty kick but could not score another.