Ange Postecoglou admits Liverpool boss Arne Slot has good reason to be upset at Tottenham Hotspur’s controversial Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg winner. Lucas Bergvall struck the only goal of the first leg in North London four minutes from time on Wednesday evening.

However, the Tottenham midfielder was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow card and subsequent red just moments earlier after wiping out Kostas Tsimikas, who was still off the field having received treatment when Bergvall scored.

Postecoglou was unhappy at some key officiating decisions that went against his team at the weekend in a 2-1 home Premier League defeat to Newcastle United.

READ MORE: What Tottenham players did at full time betrays Liverpool reality after miserable 125 seconds

READ MORE: Liverpool key man needs a rest as Trent Alexander-Arnold true feelings made clear

And of the Bergvall incident, the Tottenham boss said: “We have been told consistently that if you play advantage the player won’t be cautioned. I was bemoaning that last week some people were being repeatedly fouled, we were getting advantage and no bookings.

“I’m really surprised how people in this country are so easily letting the game change so much so quickly. It’s changed more since VAR has come in than in the last 50 years. We never used to debate offside, handballs, holding in the box.”

Referee Stuart Attwell had earlier informed the crowd of an offside decision against Dominic Solanke as part of a trial where VAR decisions are explained to supporters.

And Postecoglou added: “Did everyone love the announcement today? Did it give you a real buzz? I understand that’s what the people want. VAR is a part of it now. We just have to be a bit careful about constantly wanting to change the game so much.

“I know I’ll be the old guy in the stand shouting ‘boo’ at VAR but I can’t be the only one. There is a lot of confusion at the moment. The game is changing on the basis of technology. Why? Why isn’t anyone talking about it?

“Today it advantaged us. I can see why Arne would be very disappointed. If that was me I’d be disappointed as well. But apparently they are the rules.”

Tottenham overcame the loss of Rodrigo Bentancur early on, with the Uruguayan midfielder appearing to collapse and then receiving lengthy treatment before leaving the field on a stretcher. He was conscious after the game and sent to hospital for observation.

And of the game, Postecoglou said: “Against the best team arguably in the world at the moment, in a big game in a semi-final, credit to the players.

“I’m very proud. We had to deal with some adversity. I thought we started really well but then we lost Rodrigo. It was quite distressing to see a team-mate go down in that manner. We had to compose ourselves and deal with that and reorganise. I am super proud of the players.

“I thought the fans were outstanding as we have put them through a tough time. But we haven’t achieved anything yet. The feeling of getting a good victory against a tough opponent was a good feeling for everyone.

“Liverpool don’t allow you to dominate the game as other teams do. Liverpool put some significant talent on at the end, some top players, and I couldn’t do the same.”