Dominik Szoboszlai’s spectacular finish capped a 3-1 victory for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup, held at Anfield. The match unfolded with Liverpool taking an early foothold, thanks to a well‑crafted opening goal from Alexis Mac Allister, before Cody Gakpo doubled the lead. Tottenham managed to pull one back through Conor Gallagher, but a dramatic late intervention from Liverpool’s Hungarian midfielder sealed the win.
The opening salvo came in the 21st minute when Mac Allister, positioned on the left flank, cut inside and curled a high, looping ball into the top corner, leaving Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with little chance. The goal set the tone for the Reds, who began to dominate possession and press high up the pitch.
Liverpool’s intensity was evident as they forced Tottenham into errors, and the early lead boosted their confidence. Tottenham responded with a period of sustained pressure. In the 32nd minute, Mohammed Kudus, who had been a summer signing for the Spurs, found space on the edge of the box and attempted a volley. Unfortunately for the visitors, his effort sailed over the bar, a missed opportunity that underscored Liverpool’s defensive resilience.
The Spurs continued to test the Liverpool back line, but the home side’s organization kept them at bay. The second half saw Liverpool extend their advantage.
In the 54th minute, Cody Gakpo, who has been a key figure in Liverpool’s attacking line‑up this season, received a precise through‑ball from midfield and smashed the ball home with a powerful strike, making it 2-0. The goal was the culmination of a swift transition move that highlighted Liverpool’s ability to turn defence into attack in a matter of seconds. Tottenham’s manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is still in the early stages of building his project at the club, urged his side to stay focused.
He later reflected that the Spurs had created several chances and that the performance showed promise, even though the result was disappointing. Conor Gallagher’s goal in the 69th minute offered a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
He met a cross with a well‑timed header, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting the Spurs’ belief that they could still turn the match around. Liverpool, however, were not to be denied. In the 86th minute, Tottenham’s forward Omar Marmoush found himself in a promising position to equalise, only to be denied by a spectacular fingertip save from Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Mamardashvili’s reflexes were crucial, as he managed to parry the shot with his fingers, preserving Liverpool’s two‑goal cushion.
The climax arrived in stoppage time. Szoboszlai, who had already impressed with his work rate throughout the game, received the ball just outside the penalty area. With a swift turn and a precise strike, he curled the ball past Dubravka into the far corner.
The goal, recorded at 90+1 minutes, was described by commentators as a "worldie" and effectively sealed the win for Liverpool, leaving the Anfield crowd in rapturous applause. Post‑match, Liverpool’s manager Andoni Iraola praised his side’s attacking efficiency and highlighted the significance of Szoboszlai’s late strike. "The three goals we scored were all high‑quality," Iraola said. "The first two came from great build‑up play, and the third was a moment of brilliance.
When Dom can do that, everything becomes easier for us." Iraola also singled out the performance of young midfielder Lewis Koumas, noting his energy and influence on the pitch. "I see his enthusiasm in training every day.
It’s contagious for the rest of the squad. When the forwards see that drive, they are forced to match it," he added. Tottenham’s De Zerbi expressed a mixture of frustration and optimism. He acknowledged that his side had created opportunities and that the players had shown resilience, but lamented the missed chances that could have changed the outcome.
"We believe in our project and in the quality of our players. This is a building phase, and while the result hurts, the positives give us hope for the future," he remarked. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp praised Liverpool’s performance, noting that the Spurs had allowed the Reds to dominate the tempo.
"Liverpool were quick, aggressive, and forced Tottenham into making mistakes. That’s the kind of intensity Andoni wants to instill, and it’s starting to show," Redknapp observed. From the Spurs’ perspective, there were still encouraging signs.
Redknapp highlighted the sharpness of Tottenham’s play and the promising display of Lucas Bergvall, who, despite missing an early chance that clanged off Mamardashvili’s legs, showed potential for future contributions. "There’s a lot to look forward to for Tottenham. They had moments of brilliance and could have scored more on another day," he added. Overall, the match demonstrated Liverpool’s depth and tactical flexibility under Iraola, while Tottenham’s young core gained valuable experience in a high‑pressure cup tie.
The victory propels Liverpool further into the Carabao Cup, with the next round promising another test of their growing cohesion and attacking flair. Meanwhile, Spurs will regroup, aiming to translate the positives from this encounter into improved performances in the league and future cup fixtures. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.