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.
Tottenham responded swiftly, with Lucas Bergvall seeing an early chance, but his close‑range effort was thwarted by the outstretched legs of Tottenham goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who managed to keep the ball out of the net. Cody Gakpo then doubled Liverpool's advantage, firing a powerful shot from the edge of the box that left the Tottenham defence scrambling.
The Dutch forward's finish was a textbook example of clinical finishing, showcasing the Reds' attacking fluidity and their ability to convert chances when they arise. For a period, it seemed Liverpool were in firm control of the tie, dominating possession and creating several promising opportunities. Tottenham, however, refused to be written off.
In the 69th minute, Conor Gallagher managed to pull one back for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, nodding in a close‑range effort after a well‑timed cross. The goal sparked a brief surge of optimism among the Spurs supporters, who were delighted to see their team break the deadlock and register their first goal of the campaign against top‑flight opposition. Yet, the joy was short‑lived.
Shortly after, Mamardashvili produced a spectacular fingertip save to deny Omar Marmoush a clear‑cut chance to equalise, diving low and stretching his fingertips to keep the ball out of the net. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the atmosphere at Anfield grew tense. Liverpool were determined to seal the win, while Tottenham pushed for a late equaliser. In the 90+1 minute, Szoboszlai stepped up and unleashed a thunderous strike from just outside the penalty area.
The ball arced over the wall and flew past Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, nestling in the bottom corner. The goal was a true "worldie," as described by Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, and it effectively put the match beyond Tottenham's reach.
Beyond the goals, the match featured several noteworthy moments. Early on, Lucas Bergvall’s attempt was blocked by Mamardashvili’s legs, a rare occurrence that highlighted the goalkeeper’s reflexes. Mac Allister’s opening goal demonstrated his technical prowess, while Mohammed Kudus, despite a well‑placed effort, missed the target, illustrating the fine margins that often decide cup ties.
Gakpo’s second goal was a testament to Liverpool’s relentless pressing and quick transition play, as he capitalised on a swift counter‑attack to double the lead. Gallagher’s late header gave Tottenham a glimmer of hope, but Mamardashvili’s second save, this time denying Marmoush, kept the Reds in command.
In the post‑match press conference, Andoni Iraola praised his side’s attacking output, describing the three goals as "very good" and emphasizing the importance of the first two, which were built from strong team play. He singled out Szoboszlai’s late strike as a "worldie" and expressed confidence that the Hungarian midfielder’s ability to produce moments of magic simplifies the team’s overall approach. Iraola also highlighted the impact of young forward Lewis Koumas, noting his energy in training and matches.
He remarked that Koumas’s enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring his teammates to work harder and maintain high intensity throughout the game. This sentiment echoed the broader narrative of Liverpool’s evolving squad under Iraola, where youthful vigor and experienced leadership blend to create a dynamic playing style. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp lauded Liverpool’s performance, calling it the best he had seen from the team.
He noted that Tottenham’s attempts to play out from the back inadvertently handed Liverpool opportunities to win the ball high up the pitch, allowing the Reds to launch quick, aggressive attacks. Redknapp drew parallels between Iraola’s tactics at Bournemouth and his current approach at Liverpool, suggesting that while the transformation will take time, the foundations are being laid for sustained success.
Regarding Tottenham, Redknapp acknowledged the positives: a sharper approach than earlier fixtures, a commendable performance from Bergvall, and the potential for multiple goals on a different day. He praised De Zerbi’s side for their resilience, despite the disappointment of the result. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to Sky Sports, remained optimistic despite the loss.
He highlighted the chances his team created, the belief he has in his players, and the importance of staying calm and focused. De Zerbi admitted the defeat was frustrating and that the side felt they deserved a better outcome, but he emphasized that this was only the first season of a new project. He expressed confidence that, with continued belief and execution of their style, the Spurs will score many goals and achieve positive results in the future.
Overall, the match illustrated Liverpool’s growing cohesion under Iraola, the decisive influence of Szoboszlai’s late brilliance, and Tottenham’s determination to compete against a top‑tier opponent. The result propels Liverpool further in the Carabao Cup, while Spurs can take solace in the progress they have made and the individual performances that hint at a promising season ahead.