Sturridge sees Reds through to quarter-finals of EFL Cup

Liverpool marched into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup on another night to cherish at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp 's gamble in fielding a completely different XI paid off handsomely as Tottenham were brushed aside.

The manager's faith in those on the fringes of his first-team squad was rewarded with a performance brimming with desire and intent which extended the Reds' unbeaten run to 10 games.

Competition for places drives players on and this display underlined that Klopp has got it in every department.

Daniel Sturridge led the way as he proved he's got the stomach for the fight as he tries to reclaim his status as Liverpool's first-choice No 9.

Sturridge struck twice to take his tally to eight goals in six League Cup outings for the Reds and he should have walked away clutching the match ball.

Questions will continue to be asked about his long-term prospects under Klopp given the form of Roberto Firmino but here was a timely reminder of his qualities.

The array of firepower at Klopp's disposal is frightening.

This was also the night when Divock Origi broke off the shackles and truly kickstarted his season.

The outstanding Belgian frontman ran Spurs ragged before pulling up with cramp. There was no let-up for the Londoners as Klopp then unleashed Danny Ings, who was granted a huge ovation on his first Anfield outing for a year.

Vincent Janssen's penalty put the tie back in the melting pot late on but Liverpool were good value for their victory.

It's certainly an occasion Trent Alexander-Arnold will never forget.

The 18-year-old from West Derby could hold his head high after producing a highly-encouraging debut at right-back. No wonder his boyhood hero Steven Gerrard rates him so highly.

What a night it was for the Liverpool Academy staff who have worked so hard to get the production line of talent rolling again.

Ovie Ejaria, who was released by Arsenal two years ago, built on his first-team bow at Derby in the last round with another eye-catching display.

If Alexander-Arnold is an example of nurturing Scouse talent, Ejaria and Kevin Stewart underline the club's wise recruitment from further afield. Neither cost Liverpool a penny.

Debuts are harder to come by this season with no European football but the pathway from Kirkby to Melwood under Klopp is very much open.

The danger with so many changes was that Liverpool's approach play would be disjointed. But such is the confidence running right through Klopp's squad that a shadow line-up stamped their authority on proceedings from the start.

Alexander-Arnold displayed no sign of nerves as he rampaged down the right flank. It was the teenager's driving run which created an opportunity for Stewart, who fired over from the edge of the box.

Stewart impressed in the holding midfield role against the club who granted him a free transfer in the summer of 2014. Tottenham’s loss has been Liverpool's gain.

Gini Wijnaldum and Ejaria buzzed around with intent either side of him with Marko Grujic shining at the tip of Klopp's midfield diamond as he supported the front two.

The gifted Serbian, enjoying his first Anfield start following his move from Red Star Belgrade, helped create the opener inside nine minutes.

Grujic burst into space after pouncing on a slip from Georges-Kevin Nkoudou. His low drive deflected off Kevin Wimmer and Sturridge reacted brilliantly to tuck it past Michel Vorm.

Sturridge could have had a hat-trick before the half-hour mark. After cutting in off the right, his left-footed curler forced a fine fingertip save from Vorm.

It's been a frustrating time for Origi, who hasn't come close to hitting the heights of last season when he was leading the line against Borussia Dortmund, but he got better and better against Spurs.

On one occasion he expertly turned Wimmer and put it on a plate for Sturridge, but with time and space to pick his spot he scuffed tamely at Vorm.

It wasn't all one-way traffic as Spurs belatedly came to life. Janssen nodded over before Alexander-Arnold's eagerness to impress saw him booked for a reckless lunge on Ben Davies.

A recall will have been bittersweet for Simon Mignolet as it came with the warning that Loris Karius remains Klopp's No 1.

All Mignolet can do is look after his own form and he hardly put a foot wrong on his return to the side.

The keeper was alert to push away Janssen's drive and when the ball was slung back into the box, stand-in captain Lucas Leiva threw himself in the way of Nkoudou's volley.

Time and time again when Spurs threatened Lucas was in the right place at the right time to deal with it.

No wonder Klopp was so desperate to hold on to the experienced Brazilian when Galatasaray came calling this summer.

After a stuttering start to the second half, Liverpool clicked into gear as the front two of Origi and Sturridge wreaked more havoc.

Lucas' sweeping pass released Origi but Sturridge couldn't convert his first-time cross.

Suddenly, Origi was everywhere - shrugging off defenders and linking play expertly. The Kop lapped it up.

Grujic kickstarted another attack with a crunching tackle on Dier and Wijnaldum found Sturridge, who nutmegged Cameron Carter-Vickers but as Vorm rushed out he couldn't provide the finish.

Origi's fierce 25-yarder was tipped over before the pressure finally told.

Spurs were ripped apart with Origi laying it off to Wijnaldum, whose throughball sent scampering Sturridge clear. This time he kept his composure to slot under the keeper.

Klopp responded by bringing on Ings for Origi, who was stricken with cramp. And there was a warm embrace from the manager for Alexander-Arnold, who made way for Nathaniel Clyne.

Wijnaldum's free-kick was beaten away by Vorm before Spurs were handed a lifeline 14 minutes from time.

Lucas blotted his copybook when his nibble at Erik Lamela's ankles saw Jon Moss point to the point. Contact was minimal but it was a challenge that didn't need to be made.

Janssen converted to set up another nervy Anfield finale but the only real scare saw Mignolet cling on to Victor Wanyama's effort.

In fact as Spurs threw caution to the wind Liverpool should have added to their tally. Sturridge struck the bar and Vorm's flying save denied Ings the goal he craved in front of the Kop.

Refreshed and ready to go, a very different XI will line up at Crystal Palace on Saturday. But this was a night that underlined the qualities of those waiting in the wings.

MAN OF THE MATCH. Daniel Sturridge. The Reds' two-goal hero grasped his chance to shine.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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