Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a spectacular late goal that capped a 3-1 triumph for Liverpool over 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 strike from Alexis Mac Allister, who curled the ball high into the top corner to give the home side the lead. Shortly after, Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage, firing a powerful shot past Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after a fluid passing sequence that highlighted Liverpool's attacking fluidity. Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, fought back in the second half when Conor Gallagher headed in a close‑range effort, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The Spurs then pressed for an equaliser, and in the 86th minute goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili produced a spectacular fingertip save to deny Omar Marmoush a clear‑cut chance, keeping Liverpool's lead intact. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Szoboszlai, who had already been a constant threat throughout the game, unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the box that flew past Mamardashvili and into the net, sealing a 3-1 victory and sending the Reds through to the next round. The goal was described by commentators as a "world‑class" strike, reflecting the quality and precision of the Hungarian midfielder's finish.
Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall had an early opportunity to put his side ahead, but his low‑driven shot struck Mamardashvili's legs and was turned away, a moment that could have dramatically altered the narrative. In contrast, Liverpool capitalised on their chances with clinical efficiency, a theme that recurred throughout the match. Mohammed Kudus, who had joined Tottenham in the summer, attempted a volley after a clever pass from Destiny Udogie, but his effort sailed over the bar, underscoring Liverpool's superior composure in front of goal. The Dutch forward, who currently boasts more Premier League goals this season than his new club, was left to watch as Liverpool's attack continued to dominate.
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's manager, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting the quality of the three goals and especially praising Szoboszlai's late winner as a "worldie". He also commended the energy displayed by young midfielder Lewis Koumas, noting that his enthusiasm was infectious and helped raise the intensity of the entire side. "The energy he shows spreads to the rest of the squad," Iraola said after the match.
Tottenham's coach, Roberto De Zerbi, remained optimistic despite the defeat. He stressed that his players created several good chances and that the team showed resilience. "We believe in our players and our style of play. If we stay calm and keep improving, many more victories will follow," he told Sky Sports.
He also acknowledged the disappointment of losing, but framed it as part of a broader rebuilding project for the club. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp praised Liverpool's performance, noting that the Spurs struggled to cope with Liverpool's quick transitions and aggressive pressing. "Liverpool were relentless in winning the ball back and turning defence into attack," Redknapp observed.
He also highlighted the tactical similarity between Iraola's approach at Bournemouth and his current methods at Liverpool, suggesting that the manager's philosophy is beginning to bear fruit. On the Tottenham side, Redknapp also found positives, pointing out the sharpness of their play and the promising display from Bergvall. He suggested that with a little more cohesion, the Spurs could have produced multiple goals against a strong Liverpool side.
"There were many good moments, and with a few adjustments they could have turned the game around," he concluded. Overall, the match showcased Liverpool's depth and attacking versatility, with contributions from Mac Allister, Gakpo, Gallagher, and the decisive strike from Szoboszlai.
It also highlighted Tottenham's potential, especially in the performances of young talents like Bergvall and Koumas, who are gaining valuable experience in high‑pressure cup fixtures. As both teams look ahead to their upcoming league commitments, Liverpool will aim to build on this cup success, while Tottenham will seek to translate the positives from Anfield into consistent Premier League results.