English League Cup semi-final Arsenal (2) v Tottenham (2): Tottenham manager Martin Jol had a glimpse of "football heaven" last week - and has seen enough to believe his young side are on the verge of regularly competing for silverware.

The Dutchman has described cup football as addictive, but the highs of storming into a two-goal lead against Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg was contrasted by Julio Baptista levelling matters in the second half at White Hart Lane.

With away goals counting after extra-time in tomorrow's second leg, Spurs will probably have to break Arsenal's unbeaten record at the Emirates Stadium to reach next month's final against Chelsea in Cardiff.

Baptista's two goals caused a sleepless night for Jol. But the Spurs manager is pleased with the progress his side have made, and they are unbeaten in 13 cup ties this season.

"We are a side that is still building and improving, starting to get ourselves in a position where we can consistently challenge for top honours," said Jol, who has been in charge since 2004.

"We have seven or eight different players in the squad at times in comparison to the end of last season." Losing early on in the cups last season helped Spurs finish fifth in the Premiership, with Arsenal pipping them to the final Champions League place.

This season has seen them excel in the cups and struggle for consistency in the league. Jol added: "It was thought that we would be the finished article with two new players - but as the season has developed, we have developed a completely different team.

"Cup football is almost addictive. Players can get a little tired with so many matches, but it is great. We were down after last week, after being in football heaven in the first half of the game.

"There were a few questions to answer from the second half, because we made some mistakes - which we have to learn from."

Jol will be without Ledley King as the captain continues to struggle back from a bruised foot. Dimitar Berbatov - who scored in the first leg and is described by Jol as offering a "completely different dimension" in attack - is sidelined by a groin problem, but fellow striker Robbie Keane still believes Spurs have enough to trouble the Gunners. Aaron Lennon has been in sparkling form recently, and Jermaine Jenas has returned from the ankle injury he picked up against at Arsenal two months ago.

"If anyone thinks this tie is over for one second they have another think coming," said Keane, with Tottenham looking for their first win over Arsenal since 1999. "People will probably say that they have the advantage - but ask anyone in our dressing room, and they are really up for this game and raring to go."

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson points out silverware is the next step the young squad need to achieve. "It is a barrier. We've not won anything here for a long time, but not as long as some other clubs," said the 27-year-old England goalkeeper. We've got the players; we've got the quality in the squad and we are not far away from doing something."

Arsenal will be without Baptista because of a groin problem tonight. Fellow Brazilian Gilberto is available again following a three-match suspension, so midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be rested.

Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) and Johan Djourou (hamstring) are also concerns, while Alexander Hleb (hamstring) faces several weeks out after his injury in the 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.