Liverpool vs Tottenham ended in a 3-1 victory for Liverpool at Anfield, with Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai finding the net to send a largely second-string Reds side into the next round of the Carabao Cup.
Tottenham did manage to score their first goal of the season against Premier League opposition through Conor Gallagher, but it was not enough to prevent another disappointing result for Roberto de Zerbi’s side.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made 10 changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Fulham on Saturday, while Ronald Araujo was the only player to retain his place and Joe Gomez captained the side on his first appearance of the season.
Tottenham also made eight changes from their goalless draw against Everton, with Andy Robertson named among the substitutes on his first return to Anfield since leaving Liverpool during the summer.
Liverpool vs Tottenham produces another difficult night for Spurs
Liverpool were forced to withstand an early threat from Tottenham before eventually taking control of the contest. Giorgi Mamardashvili made an important save to deny Lucas Bergvall, keeping Liverpool from falling behind before the hosts responded at the other end.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute when the ball fell to Mac Allister on the edge of the penalty area. The Argentina international calmly side-footed his effort into the top corner to give Liverpool the lead.
It was Mac Allister’s second goal of the season and provided the largely rotated Liverpool side with the advantage they needed.
Tottenham had a golden opportunity to respond shortly after the half-hour mark, but Mohammed Kudus fired over from just a few yards out.
Liverpool punished that miss after the interval. Mac Allister turned provider in the 54th minute, setting up Gakpo to finish a well-worked move and double Liverpool’s advantage.
The goal gave the hosts greater control and left Tottenham needing to produce something special to get back into the tie.
Liverpool reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup
Liverpool’s progression into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup came despite Tottenham eventually finding a way through the Reds’ defense.
Andy Robertson received a standing ovation when he came on from the bench, marking an emotional return to Anfield after his summer departure from the club.
Shortly afterwards, Tottenham finally found a breakthrough. Gallagher turned the ball into the net from Mateus Fernandes’ corner in the 69th minute, giving Spurs their first goal against Premier League opposition this season.
It was also their first goal since 26 August, when they scored in the previous round of the competition.
The goal gave the travelling supporters renewed hope, and Tottenham had opportunities to level the contest.
Mamardashvili once again proved decisive for Liverpool, producing another excellent save to deny Omar Marmoush.
Savio then missed another opportunity after firing wide from inside the box, leaving Tottenham frustrated after coming close to forcing the game back into contention.
Liverpool eventually put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time.
Szoboszlai controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful effort from around 25 yards, finding the back of the net with a strike reminiscent of Steven Gerrard’s long-range finishes.
The goal sparked the celebrations at Anfield and confirmed Liverpool’s place in the next round.
Spurs’ difficult start continues
For Tottenham, the defeat added to an increasingly difficult opening to the campaign.
De Zerbi’s side have now lost three of their six matches in all competitions, while their only victory came against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
The lack of goals had been an obvious concern, particularly in Premier League matches, where Tottenham had failed to score in their first four games.
Gallagher’s strike at Anfield finally ended that wait, but the goal provided little consolation after Liverpool had already established a two-goal advantage.
Tottenham also created enough opportunities to make the contest more competitive, with Kudus, Marmoush and Savio all involved in chances that could have changed the momentum of the game.
Instead, Liverpool’s greater efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
Liverpool’s squad depth provides another positive
For Liverpool, the victory was particularly encouraging because it came from a heavily rotated starting line-up.
Iraola made 10 changes from the weekend draw against Fulham, giving several players an opportunity to impress while keeping key members of the squad fresh for the demanding schedule ahead.
Mac Allister was particularly influential, scoring the opener before creating Gakpo’s second-half goal, while Mamardashvili’s saves ensured Tottenham could not turn their opportunities into an equalizer.
Szoboszlai then provided the decisive moment with his spectacular late strike.
The result sends Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, while Tottenham are left with more questions to answer after another frustrating evening.
For Spurs, their first goal against Premier League opposition offers one small positive, but their latest defeat means the pressure surrounding their difficult start to the season is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
