Tottenham suffered a demoralizing defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, with the vast gulf between the two teams laid bare for all to see. While Liverpool marched to an emphatic 5-1 victory, Spurs looked like a side still deep in the throes of a seemingly endless rebuild.

Ange Postecoglou’s team selection showed that he had one eye on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

The Australian boss named two teenagers, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, alongside James Maddison in midfield, showing a focus on youth and rotation.

However, even Dominic Solanke’s early goal, heading home from Maddison’s corner, felt more like a delay to Liverpool’s inevitable domination than a real challenge.

Luiz Díaz quickly cancelled out Spurs’ brief lead after an offside check, before Liverpool took full control.

Alexis Mac Allister fired the hosts ahead with a thunderous strike, Cody Gakpo added a third with a clinical finish, and Mohamed Salah made it four with a low drive. Destiny Udogie’s own goal completed the rout, summing up a miserable afternoon for Tottenham.

Liverpool have now scored 15 goals against Spurs across their three meetings this season, winning each game by a dominant margin.

Only Liverpool, Fulham, and Wolves have beaten Spurs by more than a single goal this campaign, but the manner of Liverpool’s victories over Tottenham starkly illustrates the chasm between the two sides.

It was hardly the morale boost Spurs needed before a crucial European night, and it once again exposed the frailties that have dogged them all season.