Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou admits he has “seen so much growth” in his side despite recent results after Spurs beat Liverpool 1-0 in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Teenager Lucas Bergwall scored his first goal for the club four minutes from time to end Liverpool’s 24-match unbeaten run and give Tottenham a slim advantage going into the second leg at Anfield in a month’s time.

It was Spurs’ first victory since their last-eight victory over Manchester United as Postecoglou’s side look to reinvigorate their season.

Victory in the first leg! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ktX5W2OTjA

– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 8, 2025

However, the contest was marred by a very serious injury to Rodrigo Bentanker in the first half which resulted in the midfielder being taken to hospital.

Postecoglou said Bentanker was now conscious but admitted he did not have “all the information”.

Speaking about his team’s performance, the Spurs boss was quick to praise the players.

“I thought we deserved it on the night,” Postecoglou told Sky Sports.

“The boys gave everything and I’m really glad the players got the rewards.

“We face adversity all the time. It’s amazing when you think we have some 18-year-olds. I’ve seen so much growth, it’s only been overshadowed by our poor form.

“But it’s only half-time and it’s not easy going to Liverpool.”

One of the main points after the game was whether or not Bergwal should have been on the pitch to score the match-winner.

Ange Postecoglou passionately defends decision to keep Lucas Bergwall on the pitch 👀 pic.twitter.com/doOpVc0BEE

– Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 8, 2025

Moments before finding the net, the Swede, who was already on a yellow card, fouled Konstantinos Simikas but referee Stuart Atwell chose not to book him.

Asked if his player was lucky to stay on the pitch, the Spurs boss defended the decision: “We’ve been screaming for him for months, it’s happened to us constantly.

“If an advantage is played, if it is not a defiant tackle, the yellow is not played. It was very clear to me. “

Next up for Spurs is a trip to National League side Tamworth in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.