Dominik Szoboszlai’s extraordinary strike in stoppage time clinched a 3-1 victory for Liverpool over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield. The match unfolded with Liverpool taking the initiative early, thanks to a well‑crafted opening goal from Alexis Mac Allister, followed by a second‑half double from Cody Gakpo that put the hosts firmly in control. Tottenham managed to pull one back through Conor Gallagher, but a spectacular fingertip save from Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Omar Marmoush an equaliser.
Ultimately, Szoboszlai’s late curler past Martin Dubravka proved decisive, sending Andoni Iraola’s side through to the next round while Spurs were left to settle for a solitary goal against top‑flight opposition. The opening moments saw Lucas Bergvall miss a golden opportunity for Tottenham when his close‑range effort was blocked by Mamardashvili’s outstretched legs. Liverpool responded swiftly, with Mac Allister curling a high‑driven ball into the top corner to give the Reds the lead. Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus, after a clever interplay with Destiny Udogie, attempted a volley that sailed wide, highlighting the visitors’ lack of finishing precision.
Liverpool’s second goal arrived from Cody Gakpo, who smashed home a powerful shot after a fluid passing move that showcased Liverpool’s attacking fluidity and their ability to exploit gaps in the Spurs defence. Tottenham’s consolation came in the 69th minute when Conor Gallagher rose to meet a cross and headed the ball into the net, offering a brief respite for the Italian‑born manager Roberto De Zerbi. However, any hopes of a full‑time equaliser were crushed moments later when Mamardashvili produced an instinctive fingertip save to deny Omar Marmoush from close range. The drama peaked in injury time when Szoboszlai, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the box that flew past Dubravka and into the net, sealing the win for Liverpool.
In the post‑match press conference, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised his side’s attacking output, describing the three goals as "very good" and highlighting the importance of the first two, which stemmed from solid build‑up play. He went on to label Szoboszlai’s final strike a "worldie," noting that while other players might be expected to score from that distance, Dom’s technique and composure made the goal look effortless. Iraola also singled out young midfielder Lewis Koumas, commending his energy in training and matches, saying it "contagiously" lifts the entire squad’s performance level. Tottenham’s manager Roberto De Zerbi remained optimistic despite the defeat.
He emphasized that his team created several chances and that the performance, while disappointing in result, displayed promising signs of progress. De Zerbi spoke about the need for a "click" – a moment of cohesion and confidence – that he hopes the team will achieve in upcoming fixtures.
He expressed faith in his players’ quality and the project he is building at Spurs, acknowledging the frustration of losing but insisting that the club is laying a solid foundation for future success. Former England international Jamie Redknapp, speaking for Sky Sports, lauded Liverpool’s display, calling it the best he has seen from the side. He noted that Tottenham’s attempt to play out from the back left them vulnerable to Liverpool’s high‑pressing, quick‑recovery style, a tactical approach reminiscent of Iraola’s successful stint at Bournemouth. Redknapp predicted that, with time, Liverpool would continue to refine this aggressive pressing system under Iraola’s guidance.
Redknapp also offered a balanced view of Tottenham’s effort, pointing out the sharpness and positivity shown by the Spurs, particularly highlighting Bergvall’s promising performance. He suggested that with a few adjustments, Tottenham could have turned the match into a high‑scoring affair, but ultimately Liverpool’s efficiency proved decisive. The match statistics underscored Liverpool’s dominance: they created more clear‑cut chances, were more clinical in front of goal, and displayed a higher intensity throughout the 90 minutes.
Tottenham, while showing moments of flair, struggled to convert their opportunities and were repeatedly punished for defensive lapses. The victory propels Liverpool deeper into the Carabao Cup, setting up a potential clash with another Premier League heavyweight in the next round, while Spurs must regroup and look to improve their defensive solidity and finishing sharpness. Overall, the game was a showcase of Liverpool’s growing confidence under Iraola, the emergence of young talent like Koumas, and the impact of a single moment of brilliance from Szoboszlai.
For Tottenham, the defeat serves as a learning experience, emphasizing the need for greater composure in high‑pressure situations and a more disciplined defensive structure. Both managers left the press conference with clear messages: Iraola will continue to build on the energy and quality displayed, while De Zerbi remains committed to nurturing his squad’s potential and achieving the "click" that will turn promise into results.
The Carabao Cup continues to provide a platform for emerging talents and tactical experimentation, and this encounter between Liverpool and Tottenham highlighted the competition’s capacity to produce unforgettable moments, such as Szoboszlai’s last‑minute wonder‑goal, which will be remembered by Anfield fans for years to come.