Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a breathtaking finish that capped Liverpool's 3-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield. The match unfolded with Liverpool taking an early foothold thanks to the creative spark of Alexis Mac Allister, who curled a high‑driven opener past Martin Dubravka, and the clinical finishing of Cody Gakpo, who doubled the lead with a powerful strike from inside the box.
Tottenham managed to pull one back when Conor Gallagher headed home a well‑timed cross, giving Roberto De Zerbi's side a glimmer of hope before the final minutes. However, a spectacular fingertip save from Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Omar Marmoush an equaliser, preserving Liverpool's advantage. The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Szoboszlai unleashed a thunderous shot that sailed past Dubravka, sealing the win for the Reds.
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's manager, will be delighted with his team's performance, while Spurs supporters can at least take pride in scoring their first goal of the campaign against top‑flight opposition. Key match events: - 11' SAVE: Lucas Bergvall's close‑range attempt was blocked by Mamardashvili's legs. - 21' GOAL: Mac Allister's elegant curl opened the scoring.
- 32' MISS: Mohammed Kudus volleyed wide after a clever pass from Destiny Udogie. - 54' GOAL: Gakpo hammered home to make it 2‑0.
- 69' GOAL: Gallagher headed in to give Tottenham hope. - 86' SAVE: Mamardashvili denied Marmoush with a spectacular stop.
- 90+1' GOAL: Szoboszlai's stunner clinched the match. Bergvall, who could have given Spurs an early lead, saw his shot ricochet off Mamardashvili, while Liverpool responded swiftly. Mac Allister's opening goal showcased his ability to find space and deliver precision from the edge of the area.
In the first half, Mohammed Kudus attempted a high‑volley after a clever interchange with Destiny Udogie, but the effort drifted over the bar, underscoring Tottenham's occasional lack of finishing polish. Liverpool's second goal arrived through Gakpo, who finished a well‑orchestrated move that highlighted the Reds' superior attacking fluidity. The Dutch forward, a summer target for Tottenham, has already outscored the entire Spurs side in the Premier League this season, a testament to his form and Liverpool's attacking depth.
With Richarlison absent from the Spurs' squad and the team already out of the Carabao Cup, De Zerbi could only take solace from the spirited display at Anfield. Andoni Iraola will leave the press conference buoyed by the energy and quality his side exhibited. While intensity was questioned in the recent Fulham game, the ten changes made for this fixture seemed to pay off, with young talents Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni delivering mature performances in midfield.
Iraola praised Koumas, noting his contagious energy in training and matches, which lifts the whole squad. After the final whistle, Iraola lauded the three goals, describing the first two as "very good" and the third as a "worldie"—a term reserved for moments of extraordinary skill. He emphasized that when a player like Szoboszlai can produce such magic, it simplifies the team's overall approach. In post‑match 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 know he can score." He also highlighted Koumas's impact: "I mentioned him earlier for a reason; I see his energy every day in training.
It's contagious for the rest of the squad. When the forwards show that intensity, the whole team is forced to step up." Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp praised Liverpool's performance, noting that Tottenham's attempt to play out from the back played into Liverpool's hands.
He observed that Liverpool's quick, aggressive pressing forced numerous turnovers, a tactical approach reminiscent of Iraola's work at Bournemouth and now being refined at Anfield. Redknapp added that while progress takes time, the signs are encouraging. Regarding Tottenham, Redknapp acknowledged the positives: sharpness in their play, Bergvall's promising debut, and a solid platform for the upcoming weekend.
He suggested that on a different day, Spurs could have netted two or three goals, but Liverpool's composure kept them ahead. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to Sky Sports, remained optimistic despite the loss. He highlighted the chances his side created and stressed the importance of staying calm and believing in the team's style.
De Zerbi admitted the result was disappointing and that the squad deserved a better outcome, but he emphasized the project's long‑term nature, the high quality of his players, and the belief he has in both them and the club. He warned against dwelling on "ifs" and reiterated his confidence that the team will improve.
Overall, the match showcased Liverpool's attacking depth, the emergence of young midfield talent, and the decisive brilliance of Szoboszlai's late strike. For Tottenham, the experience gained against a top‑flight opponent and the early goal from Bergvall provide encouraging signs for the future.
The Carabao Cup continues to deliver drama, and both managers will look to build on the lessons learned as the season progresses.