Isak Scores First Reds Goal as Liverpool Edge Past Southampton in Carabao Cup | OneFootball

Liverpool Survive Southampton Scare as Ekitike Sees Red

Liverpool squeezed into the Carabao Cup fourth round with a nervy 2-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield, but the win was marred by Hugo Ekitike’s reckless dismissal just moments after scoring the decisive goal.

Photo by IMAGO

Wholesale Changes and a Poignant Tribute

Arne Slot rang the changes, with an entirely new starting XI from the Merseyside derby win. New signings Giorgi Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni made their bows, while youngsters Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha were given chances to shine.

Before kick-off, Anfield paid its respects with a minute’s silence for former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard, who sadly passed away at the weekend.

Stuttering Start Before Isak Breakthrough

It was a disjointed beginning from the home side. Isak wasted a golden chance inside the opening minute, firing too close to the goalkeeper, and the Reds repeatedly lost possession in dangerous areas.

Southampton sensed opportunity, rattling the bar and forcing Mamardashvili into action. Liverpool were fortunate not to trail before Federico Chiesa provided a spark. Winning the ball high, the Italian cut into the box and squared for Isak, who stroked home his first Liverpool goal in the 43rd minute.

The lead was harsh on Southampton, who had shaded the half, but it gave Anfield a much needed lift heading into the interval.

Southampton Hit Back

Ekitike replaced Isak at the break, but Liverpool remained sloppy. Southampton continued to press and eventually levelled on 76 minutes when Shea Charles punished Wataru Endo’s mistake from a corner to claim his first goal for the club.

Leoni’s evening then ended in agony as he was carried off with what looked like a knee injury. The Reds looked rattled.

Ekitike’s High and Low

Just as the tie threatened to turn, Ekitike delivered. Another Chiesa surge opened space, and the French striker finished with conviction to restore Liverpool’s lead on 85 minutes.

But in an instant, joy turned to frustration. Ekitike whipped off his shirt in celebration, earning a second booking and leaving his side to see out the game with ten men. His suspension now rules him out of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

A Win That Raises Questions

Liverpool held on, but it was far from convincing. Mamardashvili impressed on debut, while Chiesa was comfortably the Reds’ standout performer. Yet midfield control was lacking, defensive errors crept in, and Slot’s much changed side struggled to find rhythm.

Progress is progress, but with tougher assignments ahead, Liverpool cannot afford such lapses.