Liverpool rallied to beat Southampton 2-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup, thanks to key goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The match at Anfield gave Liverpool a spot in the next round, though it ended with drama as Ekitike received a red card just after his winning goal.
First Half: Isak’s First Goal
Liverpool struck first in the 43rd minute. Southampton’s goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy, misplayed a pass under pressure. Federico Chiesa pounced, intercepted the ball, and found Isak in the box. He calmly clipped it past McCarthy to give Liverpool the lead. That struck early before the break, and it proved vital later.
Southampton had chances too. Adam Armstrong struck the woodwork, while the Saints forced Liverpool to defend carefully. But Liverpool went into halftime with the advantage.
Southampton Fightback
In the 76th minute, Southampton equalized. Liverpool’s Wataru Endo miscleared a corner, and Shea Charles capitalized by poking the loose ball home. That goal revived the visitors’ hopes and set up a tense finish.
Late Winner and Controversy
With only minutes left, Hugo Ekitike broke the deadlock. Chiesa cut in and set him up; Ekitike tapped in the finish to make it 2-1. However, his celebration proved costly. Already booked earlier, he removed his shirt to celebrate, earning a second yellow card and getting sent off right after scoring. Liverpool then held on with ten men to seal the win.
Tactical Notes and Substitutions
Arne Slot rotated heavily, resting several regulars. But his choices paid off as young or fringe players stepped up. Isak’s goal gave momentum, and Chiesa played a pivotal role in both goals. Southampton showed resilience, though their mistakes proved costly. After Ekitike’s red, managing the game with a man down became key.
Implications for Both Teams
Liverpool win means they advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, though they lose Ekitike for their next match due to suspension. His red card will hurt squad depth, especially with a packed fixture list ahead. For Southampton, the effort showed promise, but lapses at critical moments cost them dearly.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Southampton showed grit, creativity, and resilience. Isak’s first goal for the club broke the deadlock, and while Ekitike’s winner carried drama, the red card added tension. Still, Liverpool did enough to progress. For the fans, it was another late thrill and a reminder that football often pivots on moments.
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