Liverpool survived a tense Carabao Cup third-round clash at Anfield on Tuesday night, sealing a 2–1 victory over Championship side Southampton thanks to a dramatic late strike from Hugo Ekitiké.
The evening provided plenty of drama, with record signing Alexander Isak netting his first goal for the Reds, Ekitiké scoring the decisive winner, and then being sent off minutes later. The result extends Liverpool’s strong run under new manager Arne Slot, though once again they were pushed deep before finding the breakthrough.
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Isak, who joined from Newcastle United in the summer for £125 million, eased pressure on his shoulders when he opened his Liverpool account in the 43rd minute. Federico Chiesa outpaced his marker on the flank and squared for the Swedish striker, who clinically finished to send Anfield into relief and celebration.
Southampton, however, refused to back down. Russell Martin’s men capitalized on a Liverpool error just past the hour mark when Wataru Endō’s poor clearance fell to Shea Charles, who calmly slotted past Giorgi Mamardashvili to make it 1–1. The equalizer underlined lingering defensive frailties in Slot’s side, particularly with lapses in concentration.
Liverpool restored their advantage late on as substitute Ekitiké met another Chiesa delivery in the 85th minute, tapping home what proved the winner. But his joy was short-lived—removing his shirt in celebration earned him a second yellow card and an immediate dismissal.
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Despite the nervy finish, Liverpool progressed to the fourth round, though they will be without Ekitiké due to suspension. Their next opponents will be revealed later this week as the Reds turn focus back to the Premier League, hoping to sustain their impressive early-season form.
