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      Rodrigo Bentancur gives health update after being rushed to hospital following sickening head injury vs Liverpool

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      TOTTENHAM star Rodrigo Bentancur has provided an update from his hospital bed after his frightening on-field collapse.The Spurs midfielder fell to the floor unchallenged during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool. Rodrigo Bentancur has provided an update after collapsing during Spurs’ win over LiverpoolCredit: ReutersThe 27-year-old was rushed to hospital after the scary incidentCredit: RexBentancur updated his 2m Instagram followers alongside girlfriend Melany La BancaCredit: InstagramBentancur landed awkwardly after attempting to head the ball away from a corner six minutes into the contest. Teammate Pedro Porro rushed to his aid before medical staff worked on the Uruguayan for almost 10 minutes.The 27-year-old was given oxygen and placed in a neck brace before being taken off on a stretcher.He was rushed to a nearby hospital, with boss Ange Postecoglou confirming after the game Bentancur was “conscious when he got to the dressing room.”READ MORE ON BENTANCURThe Aussie said: “It was some sort of head injury, but he was conscious when he was coming off the field.“He’s been taken to the hospital for observation. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”Following the scary incident, the ex-Juventus man later provided a health update to his 2 million Instagram followers.Smiling alongside partner Melany La Banca and wearing a Spurs t-shirt, Bentancur confirmed he was “all good” with a thumbs up.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe captioned the picture with a love heart emoji: “All good guys! “Thank you for the messages. Congratulations on the victory boys!”Antonin Kinsky embraced by family after stellar Tottenham debut against LiverpoolIt’s not the first time this season Bentancur has been rocked by a head injury. Back in August, he was stretchered off against Leicester after a sickening clash with winger Abdul Fatawu. The midfielder subsequently missed Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Everton the following week and returned to action on September 1, eleven days after the KO.Bentancur was replaced on Wednesday night by Brennan Johnson, with Tottenham taking the game to Premier League leaders Liverpool.The Reds were wasteful on the night and paid the price late on, with Lucas Bergvall netting to give Spurs a slender 1-0 advantage ahead of next month’s second leg.But Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk was furious the Swede didn’t see red moments before netting the winner.Bergvall escaped a second yellow despite wiping out Kostas Tsimikas, with ref Stuart Atwell choosing to play advantage. Van Dijk raged: “It was quite obvious was going to be a second yellow, it was pretty clear.”Then a minute later he scores the winner.”The ref made a mistake and I told him that. It was quite obvious and everyone on the sideline knew it was a yellow.”He should have been off. There is a linesman, fourth official, VAR and referee and he doesn’t get a second yellow.”I’m not saying it is the reason why we lost but it was a big moment.”BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Michael Brown was among those to praise Porro for his quick thinking on the field. The Spaniard was the first to rush over to help Bentancur, grabbing his head to help keep his airway clear.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrown said on air: “Porro saw it early and was over there quickly.”The medical team did their job and were right on top of it. We wish Rodrigo well.” More

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      ‘The ref made a mistake’ – Virgil van Dijk furious at Bergvall’s winner moments after Spurs star should have seen red

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK raged Lucas Bergvall should have been sent off — moments before the Swedish teen hit Tottenham’s winner.That came after team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur was carried off on a stretcher in a neck brace and head strap after a heavy fall in this Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Lucas Bergvall escaped a second booking for this foul on Kostas TsimikasCredit: RexTsimikas needed treatment off the pitch following the lungeVirgil van Dijk reckons it’s ‘obvious’ Bergvall deserved to be sent offBergvall struck the only goal  in the 86th minute but just before he escaped a second  yellow despite taking out Kostas Tsimikas  — with ref Stuart Attwell playing advantage and deciding not to go back to book the 18-year-old.Tsimikas was then off the pitch waiting to come back on as Bergvall put Spurs ahead.Liverpool captain Van Dijk was seen arguing with whistler Attwell at full-time, insisting “It’s a yellow!”The Dutchman, 33, later seethed: “It was quite obvious was going to be a second yellow, it was pretty clear.Most read in Football“Then a minute later he scores the winner.“The ref made a mistake and I told him that. It was quite obvious and everyone on the sideline knew it was a yellow.“He should have been off. There is a linesman, fourth official, VAR and referee and he doesn’t get a second yellow.“I’m not saying it is the reason why we lost but it was a big moment.”Most read in FootballArne Slot gave the fourth official his verdict on Bergvall staying onFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReds boss Arne Slot and his coaching staff were left raging after Bergvall’s goal on the touchline.Slot’s assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff was booked for his complaints.Ange Postecoglou falls to his knees in despair after Pedro Porro fails to convert golden chance against LiverpoolThe game was the first in English men’s football history to have VAR decisions announced to the fans in the stadium.Attwell could be heard on the loudspeaker explaining Dominic Solanke’s 78th-minute goal had been ruled offside.Slot, whose side failed to score for only the second game this season, added: “It would be more interesting if he explained why he didn’t give a second yellow card than why he cancelled the goal.“But I know that’s not the rule.”Spurs chief Ange Postecoglou added: “I can see why Arne would be very disappointed but apparently they’re the rules.“He wasn’t lucky to be on the pitch. If the advantage gets played and it’s not a cynical tackle, then it’s not a yellow.“We’ve been screaming for it in the last two months and that’s what we’ve been told.”Bergvall’s strike came 80 minutes after team-mate Bentancur fell to the turf in worrying scenes when going up for a challenge unchallenged.He appeared to be knocked out, with Pedro Porro seeming to put his finger in his stricken pal’s mouth to ensure he had not swallowed his tongue.After six minutes of treatment, Bentancur was stretchered off in a neck brace and head brace.He received oxygen as he left the field — but was later conscious, talking and sent for hospital for further checks.Postecoglou added: “It was some sort of head injury, but he was conscious when he was coming off the field.“He’s been taken to the hospital for observation. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSpurs keeper Antonin Kinsky hugged his sister after keeping a debut clean sheet following this week’s £12.5million switch from Slavia Prague just days ago.The Czech, 21, said: “I’m a big dreamer but I never dreamt this one.” More

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      Moment Antonin Kinsky hugs proud family in crowd as keeper takes just 18 minutes to show why Tottenham badly needed him

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      IT took just 18 minutes for Antonin Kinsky to show off the fancy footwork Spurs have sorely missed from their goalkeeper in the last six weeks.The confident Czech, signed on Sunday from Slavia Prague, performed a clever keepy-uppy to get himself out of the danger he had been put in by team-mate Radu Dragusin.Antonin Kinsky had a debut to remember between the sticks for SpursCredit: RexThe goalie looked sharp as Tottenham beat Liverpool 1-0Credit: EPARomanian Dragusin had let a dangerous ball bounce, but instead of panicking, Kinsky cleverly lifted the ball over an advancing Diogo Jota and caught it.It was a promising snapshot of his ball-playing ability which was on show here throughout his debut.And one that will have come as a big relief to fans who have watched from behind their sofa as poor old Fraser Forster has attempted to play AngeBall in Guglielmo Vicario’s absence.Kinsky’s former Slavia team-mates sat down to watch his Spurs bow while on a warm-weather training camp in Marbella, with the club’s X account hailing their ‘King’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has decided to persevere with playing out from the back ever since No1 Vicario fractured his ankle in November.And though Forster has made some good saves in the meantime, playing smart, short passes under pressure is not his strong suit.That was made abundantly clear when the 36-year-old made not just one but TWO horrendous errors that led to goals in the last round of the Carabao Cup last month, which Spurs just about won 4-3 against Manchester United, despite leading 3-0 at one point.With Vicario not expected back until late February, Spurs decided to act and brought in 21-year-old Kinsky this month for £12.5million on a six-and-a-half-year deal.Most read in FootballHis agent Viktor Kolar revealed how tough the negotiations were to get the deal over the line in an interview with Flashscore.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt included how chairman Daniel Levy himself flew over to Prague to get things moving alongside Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange.Kolar said: “Our team was still sitting at a petrol station in Prague until almost 10 pm of December 31, because everything was closed on New Year’s Eve.Sky Sports forced to cut away following serious Rodrigo Bentancur injury as Spurs star lands on his head“The subsequent development was that on January 1, Daniel Levy flew in himself and the two-day negotiations in Prague began. He had Johan Lange with him.”The negotiations were intense, stretching late into the night.“But it worked, and I’m happy about that. It was a beautiful test to see if people and organizations this dominant can find their way to each other.”Kolar also detailed how his client chatted the move over with Czech goalkeeping great Petr Cech before signing on the dotted line.Kinsky then went on to become the most expensive Czech keeper ever, with his £12.5m deal surpassing the £10m Arsenal paid Chelsea for Cech in 2015.Kolar added: “Toni can consult on things with Petr, and talk about the goalkeeping stuff.”Kinsky was thrown straight in here against high-flying Liverpool for what was a pivotal match in Spurs’ season – and Postecoglou’s tenure.Kinsky was embraced by his sister in the stands afterwardsThe pair appeared emotional as they celebrated the winFans around Kinsky and his sibling appeared to be delightedThe blond stopper looked cool throughout his bow – and not just in his short-sleeved keeper top.His presence seemed to calm down an injury-hit defence which has seemed jittery of late too, with some accurate passes and solid saves.There was one hairy moment soon after his keepy-uppy where he tried to play out from back and his pass hit Archie Gray but he got away with it.But for the most part Kinsky seemed assured, summed up by how he smartly started the move which led to Dominic Solanke sliding Spurs ahead – only to be ruled out for offside.Solanke shrugged off the disappointment by teeing up another blond bombshell in Spurs’ team, Lucas Bergvall, for an opener that did stand – much to Kinsky and his new team-mates’ delight.Kinsky then produced his save of the night to turn an inventive flick from Liverpool sub Darwin Nunez round the post in stoppage time.Postecoglou had said it was not just his footwork that convinced Spurs to sign the youngster – and so this stop proved.READ MORE SUN STORIESKinsky completed his debut with a warm embrace from his sister, who looked emotional in the stands next to supporters.It is early days, but on this evidence Spurs fans can be confident that their new man between the sticks has what it takes to play the high-risk football their manager insists on. More

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      Watch crazy moment WWE legend Sheamus leaves Gary Neville writhing in pain as Man Utd legend swipes at Liverpool

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      WWE legend and Liverpool superfan Sheamus left Manchester United great Gary Neville writhing in agony during a hilarious segment.The four-time world champion is one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time having shared the ring with the likes of John Cena, Triple H, Randy Orton and more.WWE superstar Sheamus left Manchester United legend Gary Neville in agonySheamus is one of the greatest WWE stars and a well-known Liverpool fanCredit: GettyNeville took part in a hilarious segment with SheamusCredit: PAThe Irish bruiser is also a massive football fan and a loyal Red that has made his allegiance to the Kop perfectly known throughout his 21-year career.And the 46-year-old got to meet one of United’s best ever players in Neville, 49, during a surprise appearance on The Overlap where they both sat down with Rebecca Lowe.At some point the ex-England international wanted to know how it is to be in the ring as a WWE superstar.And Sheamus decided to give the former full-back a taste as he put him in his signature Clover Leaf submission move.Read More on FootballLowe was left laughing her socks off as the ex-WWE Champion caught Neville with his fly open.He initially struggled to apply the manoeuvre as the pundit appeared to be a little heavier than expected.But the Clover Leaf was ultimately applied and the former defender was left in agony.Sheamus added insult to injury when he ordered Neville to say “Liverpool are going to win the league” and that Arne Slot’s side are “No1”.Most read in FootballNeville, though, showed some grit as he refused to submit and instead took a swipe at United’s rivals twice.The heavyweight grappler ultimately let the analyst go with Lowe left in stitches. ‘Are you serious there-’ – Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher reveal team of the year but come to blows over four picksSheamus is now gearing up for the Royal Rumble, which is an event that has seen him enjoy tremendous success as he won the esteemed 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal in 2012.The Rumble takes place on February 1 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur injury latest: Tottenham star ‘conscious, talking’ after HORROR injury in semi win over Liverpool

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR is in hospital after he suffered a horror injury that left him needing lengthy treatment and oxygen on the pitch.The Tottenham midfielder appeared to slam into the turf after going for a header at a corner, with his arm also bending the wrong way as he landed.Following treatment by medics inside the Liverpool box, Bentancur was carried off the pitch after a worrying seven-minute delay – Tottenham later wrote on social media: “We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”Spurs went on to record a battling 1-0 win as Lucas Bergvall scored his first goal for the club, while new keeper Antonin Kinsky kept a clean sheet on his debut after being thrown straight into the mix.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…’Liverpool punished’Former Spurs ace Michael Dawson told Sky Sports that Liverpool were ‘punished’ by Stuart Attwell’s decision not to send Lucas Bergvall off.Speaking after the game, he said: “I don’t think the first one is a yellow card on Luis Diaz.“He gives the referee a decision to make but the referee got that one wrong.“On the second one, I have no defence for Bergvall. He lunges and catches Tsimikas and that should’ve been a yellow card.“Liverpool are certainly punished with that.”Copy linkCopiedMatch reportIt was the night when Tottenham’s youth recruitment drive finally started to make sense.As 18-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall netted the late winner, his fellow teenager Archie Gray shone in defence and Ange Postecoglou had a rare night of joy and optimism.Liverpool were fuming that Bergvall was still on the pitch when, on a yellow card for hacking down Luis Diaz, escaped punishment for a late sliding foul on Kostas Tsimikas.The Reds’ Greek left-back was still off the pitch when Bergvall netted the winner from a slick move.Spurs now take a slender lead to Anfield for the distant return leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final on February 6.And Postecoglou’s boast of always winning a trophy in his second season at a club remains on course for fruition.Copy linkCopiedMomentous occasionOne talking point that will potentially get lost in all of the drama tonight was the momentous VAR/refereeing scenario.Ruling out Dom Solanke’s goal for offside in the second half, Stuart Attwell announced the decision over the speakers to the crowd from the pitch.If you’re a fan of the NFL, you’ll know exactly how that looks.Though they’re not usually quite as nervous as he looked delivering his mini-speech.He said: “After a review, Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal, therefore the decision is offside.”Postecoglou after the match said: “Just get on with the game, mate. It used to be you put your flag up and it’s offside.”Copy linkCopiedSlot reactsArne Slot reveals Stuart Attwell’s decision not to send Lucas Bergvall off had a huge impact on his side losing the game.He also said Attwell himself must have been concerned to see the Spurs man go on to score the winner. He told Sky Sports: “I think everyone who stands in front of a camera will say it had a big influence on the game.“It didn’t feel to me like we were ever going to lose. The decision he made had a huge impact on the result.“There’s nothing else I can say on that.“That is a rule I don’t like, if a player gets injured and treatment he has to go off for 30 seconds. I don’t understand why this is necessary.“Conceding during this time and to the player who should have had a second yellow card is not ideal.“I think the referee was even thinking ‘is this really happening, with him scoring’.“The fourth official told me in the tunnel why he didn’t think it was a yellow, then Robbo asked the referee and was told it’s because he didn’t stop a counter attack.“He could still give a yellow if it’s a reckless challenge but he didn’t see it as reckless, which we can debate.”Copy linkCopiedSecond legThe daft football schedule means the second legs of these cup competitions won’t be for another MONTH.Liverpool host Spurs on February 6 for a spot at Wembley.How will these sides look come then?Copy linkCopiedInteresting…You always get plenty out Ange Postecoglou.And he was lively when asked if Bergvall was lucky to stay on, insisting the referee was RIGHT to leave him on.He told Sky: “Great question – but NO he wasn’t!“People misinterpret my comments from the other day.“The rule is, if advantage is played as long as it’s not a cynical tackle then a yellow card isn’t given.”Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou update on BentancurAnge Postecoglou has given a brief update on Rodrigo Bentancur.He told Sky Sports: “Obviously I don’t have all the information but from my understanding he was conscious when he got to the dressing room.“We’ve taken him to hospital to get checked over.“Yeah it was worrying and obviously a concern but from what I know at this stage he’ll hopefully be OK.”Copy linkCopied’Couldn’t dream it’Antonín Kinský revealed after the game he’s a ‘big dreamer’ but even he couldn’t have dreamt up a debut like tonight.He also revealed the emotional hug was with his sister, having informed his family yesterday that there was a chance he’d be playing.Asked by Sky Sports if tonight was one of the best nights of his life, he said: “Yeah definitely. I’m a big dreamer but probably I’ve never dreamt this dream.“It’s amazing and I’m so happy. All the people have been kind and I’m so happy for the people, the club and myself.“It was my sister. I told her yesterday there was a possibility I would be playing so she came with her boyfriend and my mum and dad.“I hope they’re happy and proud.”Copy linkCopiedBentancur latestThere’s been no more news following the game on Rodrigo Bentancur after his horror injury tonight.In case you missed it, Spurs revealed at half time the midfielder was “conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”Copy linkCopiedVan Dijk reactsLiverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk reveals what he told Stuart Attwell after the game, having had words with the referee on that Bergvall decision.He told Sky Sports: “Listen, I think it was quite obvious it should have been a second yellow.“It was pretty clear and then a minute later he scores the winner.“It is what it is. He made a mistake in my opinion and I told him that. It was obvious.“There was a linesman there, a fourth official, VAR and a referee.“It wasn’t the reason we lost the game but it was a big moment.”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsThe numbers from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, showing Liverpool dominating pretty much every single stat.Except the one that counts at the top of the image.Copy linkCopiedSome debutAntonín Kinský jumped the advertising boards and into the crowd for an emotional embrace. Whoever the young lady was on the other end of his hug was in tears, no doubt bursting with pride at the youngster’s debut.To be thrust in to a game like this, against the top side in European football at present and keep a clean sheet must be more than he could have ever dreamed of.Really great scenes, and the Spurs fans around them were more than happy to give him an ovation for that showing.Copy linkCopiedSlot angerArne Slot stormed onto the park, shaking hands on the way, before giving the referee team a handshake.It looked to be relatively tame, before he went back and had another go. He’s raging with that Bergvall decision.He has a point, though Bergvall shouldn’t have been booked for the tackle he was booked for. Copy linkCopiedFT! Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolSpurs take a lead to Anfield for the second leg!Copy linkCopied90+7 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolNo penalty, on-field decision stands.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolHang on, they’re checking a possible penalty for Liverpool.Kulusevski on Jones.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolSpurs defend their box superbly and get the ball clear from two successful balls into the box.Gravenberch then floats a cross into the box which is straight through to the keeper.Copy linkCopied90+6 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolAlexander-Arnold dinks a pass into the box for Salah – who has been anonymous for the entire evening – by Spence beats him to it.It is nodded behind though as the Reds get a corner and one final chance in this first leg…Copy linkCopied90+5 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolDiaz skips by Porro down the Liverpool left and gets into the box before chucking himself to ground.Quite clearly that’s not a penalty and VAR agrees with the referee. Poor from Diaz, really poor in fact.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolCLOSE FOR LIVERPOOL!Once again, the Spurs new boy between the sticks delivers! Diaz fires a cross towards the six-yard box and Nunez does well to adjust and get a shot on target, only for Kinsky to beat it away at full stretch.Copy linkCopied90+2 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolAlexander-Arnold sends a wicked cross in from the right, just begging for Diaz to head home.He’s beaten to it by Porro who takes a bang from the Colombian for his troubles. Goal kick given, though.Copy linkCopied90 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolSeven minutes added on!Copy linkCopied88 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolThere was a yellow card flashed at the Liverpool bench, they’re absolutely furious he was allowed to stay on the park to score that.The fourth official getting a right earful.Copy linkCopied87 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolWhat a turn of events for Bergvall, who would’ve been fearing a red card 60 seconds ago, he’s now put Spurs in front!This one will count and it’s a long ball into the channel and Solanke bullies Konate, brushing him aside on the right edge of the box.The England forward then has the presence of mind to wait for options and Bergvall bursts a gut to support and Solanke puts it on a plate for him to pass it firmly into the near post and beyond Alisson.And Liverpool were down to 10 men as Tsimikas had to go off having had treatment!Incredible stuff – we should’ve known it wouldn’t end goalless!Copy linkCopiedYOU COULDN’T WRITE IT!Copy linkCopied More

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      Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool

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      TOTTENHAM’S clash with Liverpool made history – as for the first time ever a referee explained to the crowd why a goal had been ruled out.Stuart Attwell used the PA system to tell a spellbound stadium that Dominic Solanke’s Carabao Cup semi-final opener for Spurs was offside.Fans waited for the verdict on Solanke’s strike before Stuart Attwell explained itCredit: GettyRef Attwell is the first ref to explain a disallowed goal directly to the crowdSolanke briefly thought he had put Spurs in front, then set up their winnerCredit: AlamyFirst, VAR reviewed the striker’s finish after he sped through to slot home a long through-ball from Pedro Porro.Then whistler Attwell announced to animated fans: “After a review Dominic Solanke was in an offside position.”The same striker later teed up Lucas Bergvall’s 86th-minute, first-leg winner for Tottenham.But Liverpool were fuming because Bergvall had just escaped a second yellow card for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe contest will mainly be remembered for Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur being taken to hospital after landing horrifically early on. Bentancur was later said to be conscious, with further tests on his condition to come But Attwell’s PA announcement – the result of the trial – was a major talking point with fansAnd many supporters reckoned the intervention was an excellent innovation if VAR is to stay.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne posted: “Huge fan of the referee communication for the big decisions.”Another wrote: “Soooo much better having the referee announce VAR decisions.”Why Nuno Espirito Santo was such a flop for Tottenham before leading Nottingham Forest on Leicester-like title chargeA third said: “I can’t lie, having the referee announce the decision like that is a brilliant addition to the game.”And a fourth claimed the idea was one transfer from Stateside sport that was worth waiting for.He posted: “That’s nice, the referee explaining NFL style.”Plenty of fans now want the concept used more widely in football.One said: “The referee explaining the call to the fans in the stadium needs to be added to the Premier League imo. Way better.” More

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      Tottenham 1 Liverpool 0: Bergvall’s winner gives Spurs first-leg advantage but game overshadowed by Bentancur injury

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      IT was the night when Tottenham’s youth recruitment drive finally started to make sense.As 18-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall netted the late winner, his fellow teenager Archie Gray shone in defence and Ange Postecoglou had a rare night of joy and optimism.Lucas Bergvall scored the winner five minutes from timeCredit: RexPedro Porro missed a golden opportunity for TottenhamCredit: RexRadu Dragusin cleared an Alexander-Arnold shot off the line at 0-0Credit: ReutersLiverpool were fuming that Bergvall was still on the pitch when, on a yellow card for hacking down Luis Diaz, escaped punishment for a late sliding foul on Kostas Tsimikas.The Reds’ Greek left-back was still off the pitch when Bergvall netted the winner from a slick move.Spurs now take a slender lead to Anfield for the distant return leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final on February 6.And Postecoglou’s boast of always winning a trophy in his second season at a club remains on course for fruition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDominic Solanke had an effort disallowed for offside – followed by a historic VAR announcement from miked-up ref Stuart Attwell.But before all that drama, it felt as if everybody froze on a Siberian night in north London.First they froze in horror when Rodrigo Bentancur lay motionless on the floor after an awkward fall and was carried off on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask.The news of Tottenham’s Uruguayan was positive but after that early shock the two sides who had served up a nine-goal thriller in the Premier League here last month, threatened a stalemate.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile supporters were freezing their wotsits off in Scott of the Antarctic temperatures.Having taken just one point from their last four league matches, Spurs were in desperate need of one of their occasional stupidly good results.Watch hilarious moment MASCOT tells Virgil Van Dijk to join Spurs and says ‘we haven’t got any good defenders’Yet Postecoglou was still without ten senior players through injury or suspension and so newly-signed keeper Antonin Kinsky was handed a debut just two days after signing from Slavia Prague.This was the only trophy Jurgen Klopp managed to win in his farewell quest for the quadruple last season but despite their shock home draw with struggling Manchester United, they arrived unbeaten in 24.Slot felt confident enough to make three changes in defence as well as bringing in Diogo Jota up front.Although two of Liverpool’s defensive call-ups – Kostas Tsimikas and Jarrell Quansah were guilty of seriously loose passes which put the visitors under the pump early on.Quansah’s error led to a corner from which Bentancur attempted a diving header, missed the ball but crashed head-first into the turf.The Uruguayan appeared to have been knocked out cold and after an eight-minute delay he was carried off on a stretcher, wearing an oxygen mask.Alisson had pushed away a shot from Radu Dragusin while that drama was unfolding and soon Solanke got his legs in a tangle when he ought to have stuck away a low Son Heung-Min centre.Salah dragged a shot wide after an exchange of passes with Gakpo as Liverpool finally started stretching the Spurs defence.Quansah’s rare starting opportunity came to a premature end when he seemed to injure an ankle and Wataru Endo slotted into central defence.Bentancur’s injury, quite understandably, quelled the feverish atmosphere among the home support and Spurs were struggling to raise themselves after those troubling scenes.Yves Bissouma was booked for hacking down Curtis Jones but from the resulting free-kick Mac Allister could only head straight at Kinsky.Liverpool were slowly but surely starting to get a grip on possession, their pass and move routines clicking into gear – although their finishing was wonky, Salah spooning one over and Gakpo opting to test Kinsky from distance when better options were available.After the two injuries, there was a whopping 11 minutes of first-half injury time just as Jack Frost was starting to bare his teeth on a bitter north London night.Overall, it was flat in the stands and on the pitch.Thankfully, there was positive news at half-time that Bentancur was conscious and communicative.Ten minutes after the restart, Alisson had a prolonged brainstorm – and yet Tottenham were still unable to take advantage.From a back-pass, Liverpool’s Brazilian keeper clumsily attempted a Cruyff turn on Lucas Bervall, then played it straight to Pedro Porro, who had one shot blocked and spooned a second effort wide with the goal at his mercy.Postecoglou fell to his knees and beat the ground with his fists.Calamity keeping was clearly contagious as Kinsky almost dropped a Salah cross into his own goal.Slot made a triple substitution in an attempt to break the stalemate – Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Trent Alexander-Arnold all arriving.Archie Gray, growing rapidly into this makeshift role as a centre-half, was impressing with his nifty footwork playing the ball out of defence.Liverpool’s subs were making them look a little more threatening and when Nunez latched on to an angled pass from Salah, Kinsky was off his line quickly to thwart the Uruguayan forward.Then Alexander-Arnold pinged a shot from out wide which beat Kinsky but was hacked off the line by Dragusin.But just as Liverpool were at their most menacing, Spurs found the net – a gorgeous curving pass from Porro releasing Solanke who rolled it past Alisson.Yet the Spurs striker had strayed offside and so it was Attwell’s big historic moment – a piercingly high-pitched whistle followed by the ref announcing that ‘after a review, Solanke was offside’.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was no great showmanship about Attwell taking to the mic, no Vegas residency is forthcoming.But soon Spurs finally managed a legitimate strike – Porro’s diagonal ball out of defence located Solanke who held off Ibrahima Konate and laid off for Bervall to drill past Alisson – as Liverpool’s bench raged at the injustice. 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      Watch hilarious moment MASCOT tells Virgil van Dijk to join Spurs and says ‘we haven’t got any good defenders’

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      A TOTTENHAM mascot urged Virgil van Dijk to quit Liverpool for north London while admitting “we haven’t got any good defenders!”The hilarious moment occurred before the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash between Spurs and Liverpool on Wednesday.A mascot told Virgil van Dijk to quit Liverpool for Tottenham in hilarious scenesA late goal from Lucas Bergvall gave Tottenham the win, with the match overshadowed by a worrying injury to Rodrigo Bentancur.But before kick-off, there was a light-hearted moment as Spurs’ kid mascots prepared to make their way onto the field.The children were all excited to see some of football’s biggest names walk by.And the biggest cheer appeared to be reserved for Liverpool defender Van Dijk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Dutchman is one of the best in the business, having won a Premier League and Champions League during his time at Anfield.But one Tottenham mascot reckons the time is right for Van Dijk to quit Liverpool and sign for Ange Postecoglou’s side.Indeed, the whipper-snapper didn’t hesitate to issue the offer out loud as Van Dijk high-fived him and other mascots.And he even admitted Tottenham “haven’t got any good defenders” in amusing scenes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were left tickled by the brilliant incident on social media.One said: “You’ve got to admire children’s honesty.”Sky Sports forced to cut away following serious Rodrigo Bentancur injury as Spurs star lands on his headAnother declared: “Made my day.”One noted: “Class this.”Another added: “Looks like these mascots haven’t got any media training yet!” More