Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield, surviving a late Spurs push before Dominik Szoboszlai settled things with a stoppage-time strike that will be talked about for a while. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo also found the net for the Reds, while Conor Gallagher’s goal at least ended Tottenham’s drought against top-flight opposition this season.
Ten Changes for Iraola, Eight for De Zerbi
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola had been open about needing fresh legs after a hectic run of fixtures, and he delivered on that promise with 10 changes to his starting lineup — Ronald Araujo was the only player retained from the side’s previous match. Joe Gomez made his first start since May as he continued his return from injury, while young midfielders James McConnell and Trey Nyoni were trusted alongside Lewis Koumas in attack. Cody Gakpo returned to the starting XI on the left wing after coming off the bench in his own injury comeback against Fulham, with Rio Ngumoha stationed on the right.
Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas, and Florian Wirtz were left out of the squad entirely, with the rest of Liverpool’s first-team regulars named among the substitutes.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi made eight changes of his own. Former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was named among the substitutes for his first return to Anfield since leaving the club, and the Kop gave him a warm reception when he was introduced later in the match.
Mac Allister Breaks the Deadlock
Both sides created early chances in wet conditions at Anfield. Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall was denied by a brilliant save from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, while at the other end, Martin Dubravka stopped an effort from Lewis Koumas, who had run off the shoulder of Marcos Senesi to collect a pass from Ngumoha before being denied by the onrushing keeper.
Liverpool made the breakthrough in the 21st minute. Alexis Mac Allister curled a superb strike into the top corner, giving Dubravka no chance and opening the scoring in style. It came at a cost to Tottenham, who had earlier seen Bergvall waste a good early chance from close range, and Mohammed Kudus also fired high and wide after good build-up play from Destiny Udogie before halftime.
Gakpo Doubles the Lead, Gallagher Gives Spurs Hope
Liverpool extended their advantage shortly after the break when Cody Gakpo lashed a second goal into the net in front of the Kop, capping an excellent team move and looking to have put the tie firmly out of reach.
Tottenham finally got on the scoresheet against top-flight opposition when Conor Gallagher headed home just before the 70th minute, setting up a tense finish and giving the visitors belief they could force a shootout. Spurs pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, and it took a stunning save from Mamardashvili to deny Omar Marmoush and preserve Liverpool’s lead.
Szoboszlai’s Stoppage-Time Stunner
Any hope of a Tottenham comeback was extinguished deep into stoppage time. Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a ferocious volley from 30 yards that flew beyond Dubravka, sealing the 3-1 win and sending Liverpool through to the fourth round in style.
What We Learned
Gakpo’s resurgence continues. Just weeks after transfer speculation linked him with a move away from Anfield, Gakpo now has two goals and three assists in five games this season. Virgil van Dijk has previously stressed how important his fellow Dutchman is to the squad, and it’s easy to see why Liverpool will be relieved that deal never materialized.
Youth got a chance to shine. With intensity having been an issue in Liverpool’s previous league outing against Fulham, Iraola’s changes gave younger players like Koumas and Nyoni a platform — and both delivered mature, energetic performances that will encourage the Spanish manager going forward.
Richarlison remains frozen out. While De Zerbi was willing to shuffle much of his lineup, bringing Richarlison back into the fold wasn’t one of the changes he made. The forward has made clear he has no intention of playing for Tottenham again after turning down a new contract offer in the summer.
Priorities were clear — and it showed. With the Carabao Cup low on the list of priorities for both clubs this season, the heavily rotated lineups were unsurprising, even if a touch disappointing given the stakes. Liverpool, who have won just one of four league matches under Iraola, could have used a stronger side to build momentum; Tottenham, without European football to occupy their calendar, arguably needed a positive result even more. A more full-strength Spurs side might well have given themselves a better chance of advancing.
