Spurs had held a 1-0 first leg lead, but were blown away by the Premier League leaders as they conceded four times for the third consecutive game at Anfield.

Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk were on target for Arne Slot’s men, who will face Newcastle at Wembley on March 16 for the first silverware of the English season.

Postecoglou’s hands were again tied by a mounting injury list, which was added to when Richarlison hobbled off in the first half.

However, the meek nature of their surrender raises further questions over the Australian’s position as the visitors did not manage a single shot on target.

Postecoglou promised early in the campaign that he would continue his record of winning a trophy in his second season at various clubs and end Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought in doing so.

Tottenham sit 14th in the Premier League and there is speculation that Postecoglou’s job is on the line when they travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

“We had a great opportunity and unfortunately we didn’t grab it,” said Postecoglou.

“There’s still plenty to play for us this year. We have a huge game with Villa on Sunday.”

Often derided for his gung-ho approach, Postecoglou’s team selection appeared to have containing Liverpool in mind.

But there was little doubt over the outcome once Gakpo opened the floodgates on 33 minutes.

“They were too good for us,” added Postecoglou. “We didn’t start the game off on the right foot and allowed them to get comfortable, and once they got comfortable, it was very difficult then for us to wrestle that control back.

“They are in a great moment but I would have liked us to play more like who we are.”

Slot’s ‘special’ night