Liverpool vs Tottenham ended in a 3-1 victory for Liverpool as Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning late goal secured their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Liverpool made several changes to their starting team but still had enough quality to overcome Tottenham at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scored before Conor Gallagher pulled one back for the visitors. Szoboszlai then sealed the win with a powerful strike in stoppage time.
Liverpool take control through Mac Allister
Tottenham started brightly and created early opportunities against Liverpool’s much-changed team.
Giorgi Mamardashvili kept the hosts from falling behind after making an important save from Lucas Bergvall.
Liverpool soon responded with the opening goal in the 21st minute.
The ball fell to Mac Allister on the edge of the box. The midfielder then guided his shot into the top corner to give Liverpool the lead.
Tottenham had a chance to equalise before the break. However, Mohammed Kudus missed from close range after finding himself in a promising position.
Gakpo doubles Liverpool’s advantage
Liverpool continued to threaten after the restart and eventually extended their lead.
Mac Allister played a key role in the move before setting up Gakpo. The Dutch forward finished the attack to make it 2-0.
The goal increased the pressure on Tottenham, who were still searching for their first goal against Premier League opposition this season.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola had made 10 changes from the team that drew with Fulham in their previous league match.
Despite the rotation, the Reds maintained their attacking threat and controlled important periods of the game.
Gallagher gives Tottenham hope
Tottenham found a way back into the contest in the 69th minute.
Conor Gallagher turned the ball into the net from a corner delivered by Mateus Fernandes. The goal reduced Liverpool’s lead to 2-1 and gave the visitors renewed hope.
Tottenham pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
However, Liverpool defended their advantage and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Andy Robertson also made his return to Anfield after leaving Liverpool during the summer. He received a warm reception from the home supporters when he came on.
Szoboszlai seals Liverpool’s progress
Tottenham’s hopes of forcing a comeback disappeared in stoppage time.
Szoboszlai produced a spectacular long-range volley to make it 3-1 and confirm Liverpool’s place in the next round.
The result extended Tottenham’s difficult start to the season. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have struggled to score against Premier League opponents and now have their EFL Cup campaign to consider no further.
Liverpool, meanwhile, advanced to the fourth round despite making significant changes to their starting lineup.
The victory also highlighted the depth available to Iraola as Liverpool continue their campaign across domestic competitions.
Source: ModernGhana
