Tottenham’s tough beginning to the campaign persisted as Liverpool eliminated them from the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win at Anfield. A mostly backup Liverpool lineup earned a spot in the fourth round courtesy of goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Tottenham did score their first goal against Premier League opposition this season when Conor Gallagher converted from a corner. However, despite creating several good chances, Spurs could not find an equaliser and suffered their third defeat in six matches across all competitions.
Liverpool seizes control of the Carabao Cup tie
Both teams made numerous changes to their starting lineups. Liverpool made 10 alterations from their goalless draw with Fulham, with only Ronald Araujo retaining his place and Joe Gomez captaining the team on his first appearance of the season. Tottenham made eight changes from the draw with Everton, while Andy Robertson was named among the substitutes on his return to Anfield after leaving Liverpool in the summer.
Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 21st minute after Tottenham goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had produced an excellent save to deny Lucas Bergvall. The ball fell to Mac Allister on the edge of the area, and he calmly side-footed his finish into the top corner.
Tottenham had a clear opportunity to respond before half-time, but Mohammed Kudus fired over from close range. Liverpool punished that miss after the interval, with Gakpo finishing a well-worked move after being set up by Mac Allister.
Robertson was introduced to a standing ovation as Tottenham looked for a way back into the match. Their efforts finally paid off in the 69th minute when Gallagher turned Mateus Fernandes’ corner into the net, giving Spurs their first goal against Premier League opposition this season and their first since August 26.
Tottenham squanders chances to complete comeback
The travelling Tottenham supporters were given hope after Gallagher’s goal, but their side could not take advantage of further opportunities. Mamardashvili made another excellent save to deny Omar Marmoush, while Savio sent his effort wide from inside the box.
Liverpool eventually put the result beyond doubt in injury time. Szoboszlai controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful 25-yard strike that found the back of the net.
The result leaves Tottenham with three defeats from six matches in all competitions. Their only victory so far came against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
For Liverpool, the victory came despite another heavily rotated line-up. The team’s younger players contributed to an energetic performance, with Rio Ngumoha, Lewis Koumas, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell all impressing.
Liverpool youngsters make an impact
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said the number of changes was necessary because his team had lacked energy in their previous match and needed fresh legs. He was rewarded with an aggressive and energetic display from his largely second-string side.
Koumas, 20, led the press from the front and also came close to scoring, while 18-year-old Ngumoha produced a strong performance. Nyoni, 19, and 22-year-old McConnell also caught the eye as Liverpool dealt effectively with Premier League opposition.
Iraola also praised the energy shown by Koumas, saying it was contagious for the rest of the team. With Florian Wirtz and Virgil van Dijk rested and watching from the hospitality suites at Anfield, the players on the pitch gave their manager little reason to regret the changes.
Mamardashvili endured a nervous start but recovered to make several important saves. His performance showed why Iraola had been so keen to sign him at Bournemouth.
Liverpool now head into their league trip to Bournemouth with confidence after maintaining their unbeaten start to the season. Iraola will also face his former club in that match.