Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in an entertaining third-round encounter at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Despite making 10 changes to their starting lineup, Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool side showed impressive squad depth and produced enough quality in the decisive moments to eliminate Tottenham. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo put the Reds in control before Conor Gallagher gave Spurs hope, but Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning stoppage-time strike finally settled the contest.
Tottenham actually began the match brightly and created the first major opportunity. Lucas Bergvall found himself in a promising position inside the Liverpool penalty area, but Giorgi Mamardashvili reacted quickly to block his effort with his legs.
Liverpool gradually grew into the game, with young players including Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni showing confidence despite the pressure of a cup tie against Premier League opposition.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute.
Alexis Mac Allister produced a superb finish to put Liverpool ahead. After Liverpool worked the ball forward following a quick move, the Argentine midfielder found space around the edge of the Tottenham penalty area and curled a superb effort into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with little chance.
The goal gave Liverpool greater confidence, although Tottenham continued to threaten. Mohammed Kudus came close after good work from Destiny Udogie, but his effort flew high and wide.
Liverpool went into the interval with a 1-0 advantage, but the visitors remained very much in the contest.
The second half brought another decisive moment for the Reds.
In the 54th minute, Liverpool doubled their advantage through Cody Gakpo. Mac Allister supplied the assist, finding the Dutch forward inside the penalty area. Gakpo collected the pass, cut inside and unleashed a powerful finish beyond Dubravka.
It was an excellent attacking move and gave Liverpool a two-goal cushion. Gakpo’s goal was also particularly notable given that Tottenham had reportedly been interested in signing the forward during the summer transfer window.
Tottenham, however, refused to surrender.
Roberto De Zerbi introduced fresh attacking options as Spurs attempted to increase the pressure, while Liverpool began defending deeper and looking for opportunities to counter-attack.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 69th minute.
Conor Gallagher pulled one goal back for Tottenham with a close-range header. Mateus Fernandes delivered the ball from a corner, and Gallagher found space at the back post before heading beyond Mamardashvili.
The goal changed the atmosphere at Anfield. At 2-1, Tottenham suddenly had belief and Liverpool were forced to defend their narrow advantage.
Spurs continued pushing forward and came extremely close to finding an equaliser. Omar Marmoush tested Mamardashvili with a dangerous effort in the closing stages, but the Liverpool goalkeeper produced an outstanding fingertip save to keep his side ahead.
That save proved crucial because Tottenham’s late pressure could have completely changed the outcome.
Instead, Liverpool delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time.
With the clock showing 90+1 minutes, Dominik Szoboszlai produced one of the spectacular moments of the evening. Cody Gakpo supplied the assist before Szoboszlai unleashed a ferocious long-range strike from around 30 yards.
The Hungarian’s effort flew beyond Dubravka and into the net, sparking huge celebrations from the Liverpool players and supporters.
The goal effectively ended Tottenham’s hopes of completing a comeback and ensured Liverpool would progress to the fourth round.
The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory for Liverpool, despite Tottenham enjoying more possession and registering more attempts during the match. Liverpool’s efficiency in front of goal ultimately proved decisive, while Mamardashvili’s saves prevented Spurs from capitalising on their opportunities.
The result was particularly encouraging for Iraola because Liverpool had made 10 changes from their previous match. Young players such as Nyoni and Koumas were given valuable minutes, while returning players also had the opportunity to build fitness.
Tottenham, meanwhile, exited the Carabao Cup after another frustrating night in front of goal. Gallagher’s strike was their first goal against top-flight opposition during the season, but their inability to convert several promising opportunities ultimately cost them.
For Liverpool, the victory keeps their Carabao Cup campaign alive and sends them into the fourth round with confidence. Mac Allister’s quality, Gakpo’s attacking contribution and Szoboszlai’s spectacular finish provided the decisive moments in a match where Tottenham had opportunities but Liverpool were more clinical.
Goal Timeline
21′ – Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool 1-0: Mac Allister curled a superb effort into the top corner to give Liverpool the lead.
54′ – Cody Gakpo, Liverpool 2-0: Mac Allister provided the assist before Gakpo cut inside and fired a powerful finish beyond Dubravka.
69′ – Conor Gallagher, Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham: Mateus Fernandes supplied the assist from a corner, with Gallagher heading home from close range.
90+1′ – Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool 3-1: Gakpo set up Szoboszlai, who produced a spectacular long-range finish to seal Liverpool’s victory.
Result: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
Liverpool scorers: Alexis Mac Allister 21′, Cody Gakpo 54′, Dominik Szoboszlai 90+1′
Tottenham scorer: Conor Gallagher 69′
