Carragher: Reds have come a long way since Wembley drubbing

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool go to Wembley to face Spurs this weekend much better equipped than they were 11 months ago when they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of the North Londoners.

The Reds were a shambles at the back that day but Carragher says it was a watershed moment in what would go on to become an impressive season for Jurgen Klopp's side.

"Speaking to some of the players, I think there was a big meeting after that game. You know where the team were going, conceding goals, what was happening. Obviously we know what happened with Lovren that day. That was a really bad day but there was definitely a switch after that. I think it was a massive turning point for Liverpool. It really was.

I think defensively we’ve gotten a lot stronger. Everyone talks about Virgil Van Dijk coming in and he did make a huge difference. He’s fantastic. But there was a big difference after that Tottenham game. That’s where that run that got us into the Champions League, getting in the top four, came from."

Saturday's game is Liverpool's biggest test of the season so far. Having won all four games against sides outside of the top six, this will be the Reds' first opportunity to go up against one of their rivals. Last year their record in these games was far from impressive, and Carragher says that needs to change. 

"That’s the thing. Liverpool have got to change this season. They’ve got to do well against the top six - and certainly win at home - if they’re going to win the league. Liverpool’s away record against the top teams hasn’t been great. Certainly, last season. So, that has to change. I’m not even thinking about going for a draw. I’m talking about winning the game.

"We’re top of the league and we really haven’t played well yet. We haven’t really played anyone, even though Crystal Palace and Leicester away are tough games. I know that. I want us to really go there and put in a performance where everyone just looks at us and goes, 'they look the part, they mean business.' Even if you draw. We really need to go for the throat."

Spurs famously became the first club in the Premier League era to not make a single signing in the summer transfer window, but according to Carra that is not necessarily going to prove to be too much of a handicap for the Londoners. 

"The thing about them not buying anyone is they know each other. Tottenham’s first 11 is as good as anything I think in this country, but they do have a weakness from set pieces. We’ve got Van Dijk but we’re not one of the biggest teams either. I think that's a problem with all the top teams. You have small technical players so you’re never going to be a great threat at set pieces, at either end of the pitch."

Carragher is hopeful of a Liverpool win on Saturday but knows it won't be easy. “I wouldn’t say Liverpool have a great chance of winning, but they certainly have a good chance. It’s a difficult place. I really like Tottenham, I have for a few years, especially Pochettino. They have just lost to Watford though, so we can win the game, you know take them on. I’m convinced of that.

Don’t forget last year we didn’t have Van Dijk, we didn’t have Alisson in the team. We didn’t have (Naby) Keita and they haven’t changed. You know, so I think it’s a game where you’ve really got to go there and really have a go.Liverpool’s last twelve months have been exceptional though and it will be good to see if we can actually go there and get something on Saturday".