Tottenham’s difficult start to the season continued as they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup following a 3-1 defeat to a much-changed Liverpool side.
Roberto De Zerbi’s team finally scored their first goal against Premier League opposition this season after failing to find the net in their opening four league games.
However, goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai secured Liverpool’s place in the fourth round at Tottenham’s expense.
Both managers made several changes to their starting lineups. Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola made 10 changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Fulham on Saturday.
Joe Gomez captained Liverpool on his first appearance of the season, while Ronald Araujo was the only player to retain his place.
De Zerbi also made eight changes from Tottenham’s goalless draw with Everton, with former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson starting on the bench on his return to Anfield.
Liverpool took the lead in the 21st minute when Mac Allister controlled the loose ball on the edge of the box before firing into the top corner.
Tottenham missed a good chance to equalise when Mohammed Kudus fired over from close range, and Liverpool doubled their advantage after the break through Gakpo following a well-worked move.
Robertson was introduced to a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd as Tottenham continued to search for a way back into the game.
Their efforts paid off in the 69th minute when Conor Gallagher turned Mateus Fernandes’ corner into the net to give Spurs their first goal against Premier League opposition this season.
Tottenham came close to levelling when Omar Marmoush was denied by an excellent save from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, before Savio fired wide from inside the box.
Liverpool sealed the victory in stoppage time when Szoboszlai controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful 25-yard strike into the net.
The result means Tottenham have now lost three of their six matches in all competitions this season, with their only victory coming against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
