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. The match unfolded with Liverpool taking the initiative early on, thanks to a well‑crafted opening goal from Alexis Mac Allister, whose curled effort sailed into the top corner and set the tone for the home side.
Shortly thereafter, Cody Gakpo doubled the lead, striking powerfully from close range after a fluid passing sequence that showcased Liverpool's attacking fluency. Tottenham managed to pull one back in the 69th minute when Conor Gallagher rose to meet a cross and headed the ball past Alisson, offering Roberto De Zerbi's squad a glimmer of hope and a brief respite from Liverpool's dominance. The game’s most dramatic moment arrived in stoppage time. After a series of saves from Tottenham goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, including a spectacular fingertip denial of Omar Marmoush’s equaliser, Szoboszlai found space on the edge of the box.
He unleashed a low, precise shot that slipped under the outstretched arms of Martin Dubravka, sealing the victory for the Reds and confirming Andoni Iraola’s progress in his inaugural season as Liverpool manager. In the opening minutes, Tottenham appeared poised to seize the initiative when Lucas Bergvall struck a low drive that seemed destined for the back of the net, only to be deflected off Mamardashvili’s legs. The deflection denied the Spurs an early lead and shifted momentum toward Liverpool. Seizing the opportunity, Mac Allister’s elegant left‑footed strike broke the deadlock, curling the ball over the wall and into the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper stranded.
Before the interval, Mohammed Kudus attempted a spectacular volley after a clever run by Destiny Udogie, but his effort sailed over the bar, underscoring Tottenham’s inability to convert chances. Liverpool’s clinical edge was evident as Gakpo, operating on the left flank, surged forward and hammered a low‑driven finish past the keeper, restoring a two‑goal cushion and highlighting the Reds’ superior finishing. Tottenham’s response came through Gallagher, who, after a quick corner, found space in the box and nodded the ball home, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The goal sparked a brief surge of optimism among the Spurs supporters, who were eager to see their team mount a comeback.
However, Mamardashvili’s heroics continued; he produced an acrobatic save to deny Marmoush’s late attempt, preserving Liverpool’s lead as the clock ticked toward the 90th minute. The decisive blow was delivered in the 90+1 minute when Szoboszlai, having been a constant threat throughout the match, struck a stunning, curling shot that left Dubravka helpless.
The goal was described by commentators as a "worldie" and cemented Liverpool’s passage to the next round, while Tottenham were left to reflect on a solitary goal that, despite being their first of the campaign against top‑flight opposition, was insufficient to alter the result. Post‑match, Andoni Iraola praised his side’s attacking output, noting that the first two goals stemmed from excellent build‑up play and that Szoboszlai’s late strike was a moment of individual brilliance that could have been expected from a player of his caliber. He also highlighted the impact of young midfielder Lewis Koumas, whose energy and work rate in training have translated into a contagious intensity on the pitch, encouraging his teammates to press higher and maintain a relentless tempo. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp lauded Liverpool’s performance, emphasizing their quick transition and aggressive pressing that repeatedly forced Tottenham into errors.
He drew parallels with Iraola’s earlier work at Bournemouth, suggesting that the manager’s philosophy is beginning to take root at Anfield, though he cautioned that sustained success will require time and consistency. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to Sky Sports, admitted disappointment but remained optimistic about his squad’s potential. He highlighted the sharpness displayed by his players, particularly Bergvall’s early effort, and stressed the importance of maintaining belief in their style of play. De Zerbi emphasized that the season is still in its infancy, and that the club is building a new identity under his guidance, despite the frustration of a narrow defeat.
Overall, the match showcased Liverpool’s attacking depth, with contributions from Mac Allister, Gakpo, Gallagher, and the decisive Szoboszlai strike. Tottenham, while showing moments of promise and a commendable fighting spirit, were ultimately outclassed by a Liverpool side that combined technical skill, tactical discipline, and individual flair to secure a well‑earned victory and a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup.