Despite a rotated squad under Arne Slot, Liverpool move past the third round of the EFL Cup after defeating Southampton at Anfield. Deadline day record signing Alexander Isak scored his first goal for the club while Hugo Ekitike’s late goal in the 85th minute sealed the win for the hosts before he was sent off.
Debutant defender Giovanni Leonor impressed in defense before being sidelined by an injury late in the game.
Meanwhile Frederick Chiesa who assisted both goals for the Reds now averages a goal or assist every 86 minutes of play.
Match overview
Before kickoff, a minute silence was observed in memory of the late former LFC Women manager, Matt Beard who suddenly passed away on Saturday.
Forward Isak could have put Liverpool in front within 45 seconds of play but his attempt was deflected off target by Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
The Reds found it hard getting into the game while the Championship visitors were unruffled and compounded the woes of their host. Southampton came close to getting the opener when Armstrong found space and dinked an effort which beat Mamardashvili but grazed the crossbar. The rebound which fell nicely on to Leo Scienza’s path was only nudged wide in a frail attempt.
Seconds later Liverpool took the lead as Chiesa pounced on a poorly timed pass from McCarthy and squared to Isak who struck the ball into the net.
Ekitike came on for Isak, whose match fitness is currently being managed, just before second half kickoff. Chiesa almost doubled the lead for his side when he sent the beyond McCarthy into the net. However he was ruled off by the assistant referee.
Southampton were able to level the scores in the 76th minute when Charles hooked in a ball from Joshua Quarshie.
9 minutes later, Liverpool took the lead again from a tap in by Ekitike into a gaping net just after Leoni’s debut came to an end as he was stretchered off due to an injury. The overjoyed striker celebrated and forgot he was on a yellow card. He removed his Jersey and was given another yellow, summing up to red from which he was sent off.
Liverpool’s next match will be a trip to face Premier League side Crystal Palace this weekend while Southampton will head on to host Middlesbrough in the Championship on Saturday.
