Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a breathtaking finish that capped a 3-1 triumph for Liverpool over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield, ensuring the Reds' progression in the competition. The match unfolded with Liverpool taking an early lead thanks to the creativity of Alexis Mac Allister, who curled a high, elegant strike into the top corner, and the clinical finishing of Cody Gakpo, who doubled the advantage with a powerful shot that left Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dubravka stranded. Tottenham managed to pull one back in the 69th minute when Conor Gallagher rose above the defence to head the ball home, giving Roberto De Zerbi's side a glimmer of hope.
However, any chance of an equaliser was thwarted by a spectacular fingertip save from Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who denied Omar Marmoush from a close-range effort. The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Szoboszlai, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, unleashed a precise, curling effort from the edge of the box that slipped past Dubravka’s outstretched hands and into the net. The goal was described by commentators as a "worldie" and effectively sealed the match for Liverpool, while Spurs were left to settle for their first goal of the season against top‑flight opposition.
Key events in the match included: - 11' SAVE: Lucas Bergvall’s early close‑range attempt was blocked by Mamardashvili’s legs, denying Spurs an opening goal. - 21' GOAL: Mac Allister’s opener, a high‑arched strike that set the tone for Liverpool’s dominance.
- 32' MISS: Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus volleyed wide after a promising move involving Destiny Udogie. - 54' GOAL: Gakpo’s second‑half strike, a powerful finish that restored a two‑goal cushion for the Reds.
- 69' GOAL: Gallagher’s header gave Tottenham a brief lifeline. - 86' SAVE: Mamardashvili produced an acrobatic save to keep Marmoush’s equaliser at bay.
- 90+1' GOAL: Szoboszlai’s late stunner clinched the win. The early phases saw Liverpool dominate possession and create several high‑quality chances. After Bergvall’s miss, Mac Allister’s goal arrived after a swift transition that caught the Tottenham defence out of shape.
The Argentine’s ability to find space on the left flank and deliver a precise cross allowed him to finish with his stronger left foot, sending the ball looping over Dubravka. Tottenham responded with a period of pressure, highlighted by Kudus’s attempt just before the break.
Kudus, who has been a key creative outlet for the Spurs, managed to get a clean strike on goal after a clever pass from Destiny Udogie, but his effort sailed over the bar. The miss underscored Tottenham’s difficulty in converting chances, a theme that would recur throughout the match.
In the second half, Liverpool’s intensity did not wane. Gakpo’s goal came after a well‑orchestrated move that saw the Dutch forward receive the ball on the edge of the area, turn sharply, and unleash a low‑driven shot that beat Dubravka at his near post. The goal was a testament to Liverpool’s attacking fluidity and the confidence of their front‑line players.
Tottenham’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, attempted to rally his side, urging them to stay composed and look for the “click” that would turn the tide. Despite his encouragement, the Spurs could only muster a single goal, courtesy of Gallagher, who capitalised on a set‑piece situation, nodding the ball home from close range. Giorgi Mamardashvili’s performance in goal was a highlight for Tottenham. His reflexes were on full display, particularly with the fingertip save that denied Marmoush a potential equaliser in the 86th minute.
The Georgian keeper’s agility kept Tottenham within touching distance, but ultimately his heroics were insufficient to overturn Liverpool’s lead. Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s manager, praised his side’s attacking output in the post‑match press conference. He described the first two goals as “very good” and highlighted Szoboszlai’s late strike as a “worldie,” emphasizing the quality and timing of the finish.
Iraola also lauded the energy displayed by young midfielder Lewis Koumas, noting that his enthusiasm is contagious and raises the overall intensity of the team. In his comments, Iraola said, “The three goals we scored were very good goals; the origin of the first two was crucial for us. The third one is a worldie.
With other players you might think it’s too far, but with Dom you think he might score.” He also spoke about Koumas, adding, “I see his energy in training every day; it’s contagious for the rest of the squad. When the forwards lead by example, the whole team pushes harder.” Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp praised Liverpool’s performance, noting that Tottenham’s attempt to play out from the back left them vulnerable to Liverpool’s quick, aggressive pressing. Redknapp observed, “That’s the best I’ve seen them.
Tottenham played into Liverpool’s hands by trying to build from the back, and Liverpool’s high press forced turnovers repeatedly. It’s the same approach Iraola used at Bournemouth, and he’s trying to instil it here at Liverpool.” Redknapp also offered a balanced view of Tottenham’s display, acknowledging their sharpness and the promise shown by players like Bergvall. He stated, “From Tottenham’s perspective, there were positives. They showed sharpness, Bergvall did well, and there’s a lot to look forward to this weekend.
It was a better performance than some might think. On another day they could have scored two or three goals. Liverpool just had enough.” De Zerbi, reflecting on the defeat, remained optimistic about his squad’s potential.
He said, “We created chances to win the game. It’s not a great moment, but I believe in my players. I told them to stay calm. We need that click.
I don’t know if we’ll get it on Saturday, but playing like this and believing in our style will lead to many wins and goals because the quality of my players is very high. There are many positives, but we’re disappointed with the result. We didn’t deserve to lose, but it’s the first season and we’re building something different. I have no doubts about this project and this club.” Overall, the match demonstrated Liverpool’s ability to combine technical skill with relentless pressing, while Tottenham showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell short.
Szoboszlai’s late strike will be remembered as the decisive moment that sent Liverpool through to the next round of the Carabao Cup, and the performance will likely boost Iraola’s confidence in his tactical approach as the season progresses.