Liverpool 3–1 Tottenham: Szoboszlai Stunner Seals Carabao Cup Win

Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb stoppage-time strike helped Liverpool win 3–1 over Tottenham at Anfield, sending them into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo put Liverpool in control before Conor Gallagher gave Spurs hope with their first goal of the season against a premier league team. However, important saves from Giorgi Mamardashvili and Szoboszlai’s late finish secured Liverpool’s Qualification.

For Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham, the defeat extended a difficult start to the campaign, with missed opportunities again proving costly.

Mac Allister and Gakpo Put Liverpool in Control

Both managers rotated heavily for the third-round tie. Iraola made 10 changes from the side that drew 0–0 with Fulham, with Ronald Araujo the only player to retain his place. Joe Gomez captained Liverpool on his first appearance of the season.

De Zerbi made eight changes following Tottenham’s draw with Everton.

Tottenham attempted first, with Mamardashvili producing an excellent save to deny Lucas Bergvall. Liverpool then took the lead in the 21st minute when Mac Allister’s finished the ball into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Tottenham had a big chance to score shortly after, but Mohammed Kudus wasn’t precise enough.

Liverpool punished that miss after the interval. Mac Allister turned provider, setting up Gakpo to finish a well-worked move and double the hosts’ advantage before the hour.

Gallagher Revives Spurs Before Szoboszlai’s Late Strike

Robertson received a standing ovation when he came on as De Zerbi turned to his substitutes in search of a response.

Tottenham found a way back into the match in the 69th minute, with Gallagher turning in Mateus Fernandes’ corner. It was their first goal against Premier League opposition this season, following four league matches without scoring, and their first in any competition since the previous cup round on 26 August.

Spurs then pushed for an equaliser. Mamardashvili made a superb save to keep out Omar Marmoush, while Savio fired wide from inside the penalty area.

Liverpool finally scored in stoppage time as Szoboszlai controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful 25-yard strike that flew past Martin Dubravka, securing Liverpool’s place in the next round.

Liverpool Analysis: Rotation Delivers Energy and Progress

Liverpool’s third home match in less than a week offered Iraola an opportunity to test his squad depth, and his changes produced an energetic performance.

The manager explained that fresh legs were needed after the draw with Fulham and praised the energy and aggression of the players brought into the side.

Although the goals came from established first-team names, Liverpool’s younger players also contributed. Rio Ngumoha impressed, while Lewis Koumas led the press with intensity and came close to scoring. Trey Nyoni and James McConnell also delivered encouraging performances.

Iraola highlighted Koumas’s understanding of his role and the positive influence of his work rate on the team.

With Florian Wirtz and Virgil van Dijk given a rest, Liverpool progressed without the majority of their regular starting eleven. Mamardashvili looks to have shaken off an uncertain start to the tie, particularly in the face of drawing the match level against Tottenham.

The Reds travel to the south coast to take on Bournemouth on the league, Liverpool now turn their attention to a league trip to Bournemouth, where Iraola will face his former club as the Reds look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Tottenham Analysis: Missed Chances Undermine Encouraging Display

Tottenham’s performance offered more encouragement than the scoreline alone suggested. They had more possession, more touches in Liverpool’s penalty area and more shots on target, but failed to make those advantages count.

A Gallaghers’ goal gave the travelling fans brief joy, and the Spurs were given opportunities to level, but were unable to take any of them and were left to admire Liverpool’s clinical finish.

De Zerbi admits his side have enough quality in attack to score frequently, but says they must now find the strength to get through while acknowledging that his players must respond more strongly during a difficult period.

Spurs have now lost three of their opening six matches in all competitions. Their only victory came against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.

Attention now shifts to Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa, as Tottenham seek their first win of the season against Premier League opposition.