Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a breathtaking finish that clinched 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 an opening goal from Alexis Mac Allister, who curled a high ball into the top corner, giving the home side the first lead. Shortly after, Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage, firing a powerful strike from inside the box that left Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with no chance.
Tottenham managed to pull one back in the 69th minute when Conor Gallagher headed in a close‑range effort, but the Reds responded in dramatic fashion during stoppage time. Szoboszlai unleashed a fingertip volley from the edge of the area that flew past Dubravka, sealing the win and sending the Kop into rapturous celebration. The opening stages of the game saw Liverpool dominate possession and create several early chances. Lucas Bergvall, playing for Tottenham, could have given his side an early lead, but his low‑driven shot was deflected off the legs of Tottenham goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, resulting in a missed opportunity.
Liverpool capitalised on that defensive lapse when Mac Allister, receiving the ball on the left flank, cut inside and delivered a beautifully arced shot that nestled in the top corner, putting the Reds ahead. Tottenham tried to respond through Mohammed Kudus, who, after a clever exchange with Destiny Udogie, attempted a volley that sailed high and wide, missing the target entirely.
The half‑time whistle blew with Liverpool leading 1-0, and the home side appeared comfortable with the flow of the game. The second half saw Liverpool intensify their attack. Cody Gakpo, after a swift passing move involving several midfielders, found space at the edge of the box and struck a low, driven shot that beat Dubravka at his near post, extending the lead to 2-0.
The goal underscored Liverpool’s clinical edge and their ability to convert chances under pressure. Tottenham’s manager Roberto De Zerbi, aware that his side needed a response, encouraged his players to push forward. Their persistence paid off when Conor Gallagher, who had been a constant threat in the box, managed to nod the ball home after a well‑timed cross, 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, Liverpool’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili proved decisive in the dying minutes.
In the 86th minute, Omar Marmoush found himself in a promising position and unleashed a powerful shot that seemed destined for the back of the net. Mamardashvili reacted with a spectacular fingertip save, diving low to parry the ball away and preserving Liverpool’s lead. The climax arrived in injury time when Szoboszlai, having been a constant presence on the wing, received the ball just outside the penalty area. With a deft touch, he flicked the ball onto his left foot and struck a curling effort that sailed over Dubravka’s outstretched arms and into the far corner.
The goal was described by commentators as a "worldie" and effectively sealed a 3-1 victory for Liverpool, confirming their progression to the next round of the competition. Post‑match, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised his side’s attacking efficiency and highlighted Szoboszlai’s strike as a moment of brilliance. "The three goals we scored were all of high quality. The first two came from well‑crafted moves, but the third was a world‑class finish.
With Dom, you always know he can produce something special," he said during the press conference. Iraola also spoke about the promising performances of younger players such as Lewis Koumas, noting the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the squad. "I see his drive in training every day.
His energy is infectious and pushes the whole team to work harder," the manager added. Tottenham’s De Zerbi, while disappointed with the result, remained optimistic about his team's development. He emphasized that his players created several chances and that the performance showed signs of progress. "We built several opportunities and showed good quality.
It’s a learning process, and I believe in the project we are building here," he told Sky Sports. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp lauded Liverpool’s performance, pointing out their quick transitions and aggressive pressing that constantly troubled Tottenham’s backline. "They won the ball back many times because they were so quick and aggressive. That’s the style Andoni wants to implement, and it’s working well," Redknapp observed.
Regarding Tottenham, Redknapp noted the positives: the sharpness of their play, Bergvall’s contributions, and the potential for more goals in future fixtures. "They showed flashes of quality and could have scored more on another day.
Liverpool just did enough to win," he concluded. The match also featured several notable statistics: Mac Allister’s opening goal came in the 21st minute, Gakpo’s second in the 54th, Gallagher’s consolation in the 69th, and Szoboszlai’s winner in stoppage time. Mamardashvili recorded two crucial saves, the second denying Marmoush an equaliser. Overall, the encounter highlighted Liverpool’s depth and attacking flair, while Tottenham displayed resilience despite the defeat.
The victory propels Liverpool further in the Carabao Cup, and the performance of Szoboszlai will be remembered as a defining moment of the night.