Alexander Isak finally opened his Liverpool account in a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, but the headlines were stolen by Hugo Ekitike. The French striker came off the bench to score a late winner before foolishly getting himself sent off, leaving Arne Slot frustrated ahead of the Reds’ weekend clash with Crystal Palace.
Liverpool booked their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win over Southampton at Anfield, but the night will be remembered for Hugo Ekitike’s reckless red card rather than Alexander Isak’s first goal in red.
Isak opens his Liverpool account
Isak showed his trademark composure just before half-time, finishing clinically after good work from Federico Chiesa. The Swede’s breakthrough should have been the perfect storyline, particularly after he had gone close earlier in the half. His pace and movement down the channels hinted at what he can bring to Arne Slot’s side.
Southampton punish Liverpool’s sloppiness
Liverpool failed to put the game to bed and paid the price when Wataru Endo’s poor clearance allowed Shea Charles to fire home an equaliser with 14 minutes left. Joe Gomez also looked shaky throughout, almost gifting Southampton further chances with sloppy defending.
Ekitike delivers – then self-destructs
With the tie heading for extra time, Ekitike tapped in from close range after a brilliant ball from Andy Robertson via Chiesa’s cutback. It was the Frenchman’s moment to shine, but he immediately spoiled it by ripping off his shirt in celebration – forgetting he was already booked. The referee had no choice but to send him off, ruling him out of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.
Chiesa shines, Leoni impresses
Chiesa was Liverpool’s standout attacker, grabbing two assists and looking sharp throughout. Young defender Giovanni Leoni also caught the eye on debut with an assured display before being forced off injured late on.
Liverpool player ratings
- Giorgi Mamardashvili (6/10): A solid debut between the posts.
- Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Struggled both defensively and offensively.
- Giovanni Leoni (7/10): Confident display cut short by injury.
- Joe Gomez (4/10): Poor positioning and mistakes in possession.
- Andy Robertson (7/10): Strong as captain, brilliant ball in buildup to winner.
- Wataru Endo (5/10): Industrious but at fault for Southampton’s equaliser.
- Curtis Jones (6/10): Neat and tidy on return from injury.
- Trey Nyoni (5/10): Struggled to make an impact.
- Federico Chiesa (8/10): Creative spark, two key assists.
- Alexander Isak (7/10): Finally off the mark with composed finish.
- Rio Ngumoha (6/10): Exciting dribbles but lacked final product.
- Hugo Ekitike (6/10): Match-winner turned villain with silly dismissal.
Arne Slot will be pleased with Isak’s breakthrough and Chiesa’s sharpness, but Ekitike’s costly mistake leaves Liverpool short of striking options heading into the weekend.
