yes it is very possible that the EFL is not something they are targeting so teams like Liverpool prefer to rotate and not show their true game. I still respect Tottenham who were able to win that game but the second leg is also very possible for The Reds if Arne Slot does something like in the Premier League.
Winning by one goal at home is actually very common for Tottenham and also very common for Liverpool even though Liverpool lost the game. But in the second leg I still doubt that Tottenham will win again at Liverpool's home unless Tottenham have improved their strength better than now. But if you look at the strength of the Liverpool team at this time, of course it is quite difficult for Tottenham to treat Liverpool at their home.