Liverpool suffered only their second defeat of the season when they were beaten 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. Lucas Bergvall struck the only goal four minutes from time having been fortunate not to be sent off for a second bookable offence after a challenge on Kostas Tsimikas.

The result means Arne Slot's side will have to come from behind in the Anfield return next month if they are to reach a record-breaking 15th League Cup final at Wembley in March.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes in North London...

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Ryan not mighty

It was a frustrating evening for Liverpool even before Tottenham's contentious winning goal. And that was evident in Ryan Gravenberch's reaction to one moment in the second half.

Having picked up possession on the halfway line, the Holland international spotted his compatriot Cody Gakpo free on the left flank and sought to find the forward only to float the ball out of play to derision from the home crowd.

Cue Gravenberch berating himself, clasping his hands in exasperation and then briefly slapping his face in anger. Steady on, Ryan.

Ange aghast

The tense nature of the semi-final was reflected in the action of others on the touchline. Arne Slot flirted with another booking as he grew irked at some of the officiating, while alongside him Ange Postecoglu wasn't averse to some animation.

Not least in the second half when, after Alisson Becker was caught dozing, the home side somehow failed to take advantage with Pedro Porro putting the ball wide.

That was enough for Tottenham boss Postecoglu to fall to the floor in instalments in disbelief. It was a fitting tribute to the absent Richarlison.

Conor artist

Conor Bradley returned to action for only his fifth start of the season. And, after a nervy opening, he was back to his hard-running, strong-tackling self down the right flank.

And in the second half he successfully agitated the Tottenham supporters by constantly stealing yards at throw-ins, despite the consternation of the home crowd drawing attention to the fact.

It was made all the more amusing by referee Stuart Attwell moments later warning the home team to take a throw-in from the correct position. Most whimsical.

Madrid reminder

Tottenham may have had the last laugh on the evening - if not necessarily in the tie just yet - but Liverpool supporters were determined to make the most of the occasion.

And they couldn't help but recall one former meeting in particular, which chants heard of the Reds having won the Champions League in Madrid against the London side.

But the most amusing noise of the night was the sound of referee Attwell's whistle through the public address system as he prepared to inform everyone of an obvious offside to disallow a Dominic Solanke strike. Rumours a pack of dogs turned up by the turnstiles have not been denied.