Image source: Liverpool fc
Liverpool kept their Carabao Cup journey alive on a night of drama, late goals, and debut stories at Anfield. A 2-1 win over Southampton was secured by Alexander Isak’s first goal for the club and Hugo Ekitike’s decisive strike, both set up by Federico Chiesa. The visitors, spirited and determined, pushed the Reds to the edge, but Arne Slot’s rotated side eventually found enough to progress to the fourth round.
A Night of Reflection Before the Action
Before a ball was kicked, Anfield paused. A minute’s silence was held in memory of Matt Beard, the former Liverpool Women’s manager who tragically passed away at the weekend. It was a poignant reminder of how football often takes a backseat to life’s bigger moments, and the atmosphere reflected both respect and emotion.
That sense of focus seemed to linger as Liverpool almost struck inside the opening minute. Joe Gomez pressed high, Curtis Jones slipped a pass into the box, and Chiesa teed up Isak. The Swede’s attempt was blocked by Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, a moment that hinted at the drama to come.
Southampton’s Early Resistance
While Liverpool had threatened an explosive start, Southampton responded impressively. Will Still’s side were disciplined, aggressive in the press, and showed they were not at Anfield to simply make up the numbers. Adam Armstrong forced Giorgi Mamardashvili into a sharp save, while Ryan Manning and Nathan Wood made key defensive interventions to frustrate Liverpool’s new-look attack.
It wasn’t the fluent football Slot’s team can produce. The rhythm was stop-start, the passes were cautious, and Southampton sensed an opportunity. Armstrong came closest, hitting the bar after being released through on goal. The rebound fell to Leo Scienza, who dragged wide with the net gaping. It felt like a huge let-off, and Liverpool immediately punished the miss.
Isak Breaks His Duck
Just seconds after Southampton rattled the woodwork, Anfield erupted. McCarthy misjudged a pass, Chiesa pounced on the error, and with calm precision slid the ball across to Isak. The Swedish striker made no mistake, rifling home for his first Liverpool goal.
The celebration was full of relief and joy. Sliding on his knees towards the Kop, Isak announced himself properly in red. For a player who had arrived on deadline day, this was the moment he had been waiting for.
Managing Isak and Introducing Ekitike
The plan to carefully manage Isak’s fitness meant he did not reappear for the second half. Instead, Hugo Ekitike was introduced and tasked with leading the line. The young forward immediately offered energy and sharp movement, linking well with Chiesa.
Just after the hour mark, the pair thought they had doubled Liverpool’s advantage. Ekitike laid the ball into Chiesa’s path, and the Italian lashed into the net from a tight angle. The roar of Anfield was cut short by the raised flag, as Chiesa had strayed marginally offside.
Liverpool still held control, though the lead felt fragile. Conor Bradley and Jayden Danns were brought on to inject fresh legs, but the tie was about to turn tense.
Southampton Strike Back
On 76 minutes, Anfield was stunned. From a Southampton corner, Wataru Endo’s attempted clearance fell awkwardly, and Joshua Quarshie reacted quickly to set up Shea Charles. The midfielder hooked the ball past Mamardashvili to level the score.
Suddenly, the away end was bouncing and Liverpool were staring at the possibility of extra time. Ekitike went close with a header from Chiesa’s cross, but frustration began to creep in. To make matters worse, Giovanni Leoni’s competitive debut ended prematurely as he was stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury. Slot’s team needed a hero, and once again, they found one late.
Chiesa the Creator, Ekitike the Finisher
With five minutes left on the clock, Andy Robertson picked his head up and delivered a perfectly judged ball over the top. Chiesa raced in behind, using his experience to outsmart the Southampton defence, before unselfishly squaring across goal.
Waiting in the middle was Ekitike. The striker tapped into an open net, sealing the victory with a calm finish that belied the pressure of the moment.
His joy boiled over as he tore off his shirt to celebrate with the fans, earning a second yellow card and dismissal. The numerical disadvantage hardly mattered. The damage had been done, and Liverpool had booked their place in the fourth-round draw.
Slot’s Rotation Pays Off
The night was always going to be about balance. Arne Slot made eleven changes from the weekend win over Everton, handing starts to Mamardashvili, Leoni, and youngsters like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni. It was a mix of youth, debutants, and experienced campaigners like Robertson and Jones.
The performance wasn’t perfect. Liverpool lacked fluency for large spells and were punished for a defensive lapse. But the manager will take plenty of positives: Isak’s first goal, Ekitike’s sharpness, Chiesa’s influence, and the resilience to respond when the game could have slipped away.
The Carabao Cup has long been a proving ground for squad depth, and on this evidence, Liverpool’s depth is developing nicely.
Southampton’s Brave Effort
Credit must go to Southampton. For long stretches they matched Liverpool stride for stride, and Armstrong in particular carried a constant threat. Will Still’s side may feel hard done by not to have taken the tie to extra time, given the balance of chances.
But these are the margins at the top level. One team took their big moments, the other didn’t. That, ultimately, was the difference.
The Bigger Picture
For Liverpool, the win represents more than just passage into the next round. It was another test of mentality, a reminder of the importance of squad rotation, and a showcase for two forwards looking to stake a claim in Slot’s plans.
Isak’s goal will give him confidence and begin to justify his price tag. Ekitike’s winner highlighted his instinct and composure. And Chiesa, with two assists, showed his class as the creative heartbeat of the night.
The cup journey continues, but so too does the bedding-in process for this new-look Liverpool squad. These games are about building chemistry, giving opportunities, and keeping the competitive edge alive. On that front, the night was a success.
Final Whistle Thoughts
It wasn’t the smoothest performance. It wasn’t domination. But it was a win that carried character and moments of real quality. Liverpool needed leaders in the decisive stages, and they found them in Isak, Ekitike, and Chiesa.
Southampton leave Anfield with pride intact, but it is the Reds who march on in the Carabao Cup. For Arne Slot, it is another step forward, another lesson learned, and another night where Anfield witnessed the rise of new heroes in red.
Full-time: Liverpool 2-1 Southampton. Goals: Isak (45), Charles (76), Ekitike (85).
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com