Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a spectacular finish that clinched a 3-1 triumph for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield. The match unfolded with Liverpool taking the initiative early on, thanks to a well‑crafted opening goal from Alexis Mac Allister, followed by a second strike from Cody Gakpo that put the Reds comfortably ahead before the hour‑mark.
Tottenham managed to pull one back through Conor Gallagher, but a dramatic late save from Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Omar Marmoush an equaliser. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Szoboszlai unleashed a curling effort that flew past Martin Dubravka, sealing the win for Liverpool and leaving Spurs fans to settle for their first goal of the season against a top‑flight opponent. The opening stages saw Lucas Bergvall miss a golden opportunity for Tottenham when his close‑range attempt was blocked by Mamardashvili’s outstretched legs. Liverpool capitalised on the wastefulness, with Mac Allister looping a high‑driven ball into the net to take the lead.
Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus tried to respond before the break, volleying a ball that rose over the bar after a clever run by Destiny Udogie, but the Dutch midfielder’s effort was off target. Liverpool’s clinical edge was evident as Gakpo smashed home a second goal in front of the Kop, completing a swift counter‑attack that highlighted the Reds’ superior finishing.
The Dutch forward, who was a summer target for Tottenham, now finds himself with more Premier League goals this season than the Spurs have collectively. With Richarlison unavailable and Tottenham already out of the Carabao Cup, Roberto De Zerbi could only take solace in his side’s spirited display at Anfield. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will be pleased with the intensity and quality his side displayed, especially after a less convincing performance against Fulham earlier in the week. The ten changes made by Iraola seemed to pay off, with young talents Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni offering mature performances in midfield that helped control the tempo of the game.
In the press conference after the match, Iraola praised the three goals, describing the first two as “very good” and the third as a "worldie" – a term he used to highlight the extraordinary nature of Szoboszlai’s strike. He also singled out Koumas, noting that the youngster’s energy in training has become contagious for the entire squad, driving his teammates to push forward with greater determination.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp lauded Liverpool’s display, calling it the best he had seen from the team. He pointed out that Tottenham’s attempt to play out from the back left them vulnerable to Liverpool’s high‑pressing, quick‑transition style – a philosophy Iraola has tried to instil since taking charge at Bournemouth and now at Liverpool. Redknapp believes that while the transformation will take time, the foundation is being laid for a more aggressive, proactive side. When asked about his team’s performance, De Zerbi acknowledged the positives for Tottenham, highlighting their sharpness and the promising showing from Bergvall.
He expressed optimism for the upcoming weekend, suggesting that the Spurs could have produced two or three goals on a different day. However, he also admitted disappointment with the result, emphasizing that his players had created chances and that the loss was not reflective of their true quality. De Zerbi stressed his belief in the project he is building at Tottenham, insisting that the squad’s talent and work ethic will eventually translate into more victories and goals. Key moments of the match can be summarised as follows: - 11′ – Save: Lucas Bergvall’s close‑range effort is blocked by Mamardashvili’s legs.
- 21′ – Goal: Mac Allister curls a high ball into the net for Liverpool’s opener. - 32′ – Miss: Kudus volleys over the bar after a clever run from Udogie. - 54′ – Goal: Gakpo fires a powerful shot to double Liverpool’s lead.
- 69′ – Goal: Gallagher heads in a close‑range finish to give Tottenham a lifeline. - 86′ – Save: Mamardashvili makes a spectacular stop to deny Marmoush. - 90+1′ – Goal: Szoboszlai’s late stunner secures a 3‑1 victory for Liverpool. The match also featured a series of tactical adjustments.
Iraola’s decision to field ten changes allowed younger players to showcase their abilities, while De Zerbi’s side attempted to maintain possession and build attacks from the back. The contrast in approaches was evident: Liverpool pressed high, forced errors, and capitalised on set‑piece opportunities, whereas Tottenham struggled to find rhythm against the relentless Red pressure. Overall, the game reinforced Liverpool’s growing confidence under Iraola, especially in high‑stakes cup fixtures.
Szoboszlai’s goal, described by many as a "worldie," will be remembered as a defining moment of the tie, illustrating the impact a single moment of brilliance can have on a knockout competition. For Tottenham, the defeat serves as a learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement such as defensive organization and finishing under pressure. Both managers remain optimistic about their squads’ futures, with Iraola focusing on sustaining the intensity shown at Anfield and De Zerbi looking to translate the positive aspects of the performance into consistent league results.
The Carabao Cup continues to provide drama and excitement, and Liverpool’s progression to the next round adds another chapter to their storied cup history, while Tottenham will regroup and aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.