Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool eliminated Tottenham from the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 victory at Anfield.
- Tottenham scored their first goal of the season against Premier League opposition on 69 minutes through Conor Gallagher
- Dominik Szoboszlai sealed Liverpool’s win in stoppage time with a powerful strike from 25 yards
Match Summary
Tottenham’s struggles at the start of the season deepened as they exited the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool’s largely rotated side. Despite heavy changes to both starting elevens, it was Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool who advanced to the fourth round at the expense of Roberto de Zerbi’s team.
Iraola opted for 10 changes from the previous league fixture against Fulham, with Ronald Araujo the only player retaining his spot and Joe Gomez handed the captain’s armband for his first appearance this season. De Zerbi made eight adjustments from the goalless draw with Everton, including Andy Robertson, who started on the bench as he returned to Anfield for the first time since his summer departure to Spurs.
Three brilliant goals secures our spot in the fourth round 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ZUdZgQ1WV1
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 15, 2026
First Half: Liverpool Take Control
Tottenham almost took an early lead when Giorgi Mamardashvili produced an excellent save to deny Lucas Bergvall. However, in the 21st minute, Liverpool broke the deadlock as Alexis Mac Allister curled a side-footed effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Spurs missed a significant opportunity to level the score just after the half-hour mark, with Mohammed Kudus firing over from close range. Liverpool capitalised on their opponents’ missed chance, extending their lead after the interval through Cody Gakpo, who finished off a flowing move set up by Mac Allister.
Key Events and Player Performances
Shortly after Liverpool doubled their advantage, Andy Robertson was introduced to an ovation from the Anfield crowd as De Zerbi turned to his bench. Tottenham then sparked hope when Conor Gallagher netted from Mateus Fernandes’ corner in the 69th minute – their first goal against top-flight opposition this season and the first since 26 August.
Spurs supporters almost had an equaliser to celebrate when Mamardashvili denied Omar Marmoush, and Savio narrowly missed from inside the area. Yet, in stoppage time, Dominik Szoboszlai chested the ball down and unleashed a powerful long-range shot reminiscent of Steven Gerrard to settle the tie at 3-1.
Liverpool’s Youngsters Impress
With Iraola resting key figures such as Florian Wirtz and Virgil van Dijk (both watching on from the hospitality suites), several young players stood out for Liverpool. Rio Ngumoha, aged 18, put in a superb performance, while Lewis Koumas, 20, led the press with relentless energy and posed a goal threat himself. Trey Nyoni (19) and James McConnell (22) were also impressive.
“I made a lot of changes but I think I needed to do it,” said Iraola. “We lacked a bit of energy the other day and we needed fresh legs and I am happy that all the players have given us energy and aggressiveness.”
Giorgi Mamardashvili overcame a nervy start with several crucial saves, justifying Iraola’s faith in his abilities.
Spurs’ Missed Opportunities and Attacking Issues
Between Gallagher’s goal and Szoboszlai’s late strike, Spurs looked energised but were left to rue missed chances. Bergvall, Kudus, Marmoush and Savio all squandered clear opportunities, while at the other end, Liverpool punished them with clinical finishing.
“I don’t know if the click is on Saturday because we have enough qualities to score many goals with these players,” said De Zerbi. “It is a tough moment but we have to be stronger.”
Despite dominating possession, having more touches in the opposition box, and registering more shots on target than Liverpool, Tottenham’s lack of cutting edge up front proved costly. They have now lost three of their six fixtures in all competitions this season, with their solitary victory coming against Charlton in the previous Carabao Cup round.
Should Spurs fail to secure three points against Aston Villa on Saturday, they will enter October still seeking their first win over Premier League opposition this campaign.
