Merseyside | Liverpool maintain winning run with another late goal

Liverpool 2 - 1 Southampton

Alexander Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool before Hugo Ekitike struck the winner and was then sent off in a hard-fought Carabao Cup third-round victory.

Author | William G

Stadium | Anfield

Isak struck three minutes before half-time, calmly finishing after Federico Chiesa capitalised on Alex McCarthy’s poor pass and pulled the ball back into his path. But Liverpool struggled to control the game and Southampton equalised with 14 minutes remaining when Wataru Endo’s miscued header fell for Shea Charles to turn home.

Ekitike, a half-time substitute who has impressed since arriving on Merseyside in the summer, restored Liverpool’s lead when Chiesa burst through and squared for the French forward to finish. His celebration proved costly, however, as he removed his shirt, picked up a second yellow card and was dismissed. That left Liverpool to see out the closing stages with 10 men ahead of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Arne Slot rotated heavily, making 11 changes from the side that beat Everton at the weekend, and the performance was far from polished. Yet Liverpool, winners of this competition 10 times and finalists in three of the past four seasons, once again found a way through. There was concern late on when Giovanni Leoni, the £26m summer signing from Parma, was carried off on a stretcher with a knee injury.

Slot and Liverpool fans respond to ‘stupid’ red card

Speaking post-match regarding Ekitike's red card, the Liverpool manager said: "Needless? Yes. And it was stupid. The first one was already needless and to a certain extent, stupid, as you have got to control your emotions.”

Many supporters agree

Phil: I agree with Slot, though we are all human, and we saw him lose his composure last season on a memorable occasion. It was a strange celebration, caught up in the emotion, I suppose, and he forgot about the first booking, which was just as needless. Maybe the pressure of Isak had a part to play?

Mike: That is one of the most foolish things I have seen from a player. He was already on a yellow for petulance, knew it, and still chose to do something completely unnecessary which earned him a second card. The club should fine him for it.

Tony: It was in the heat of the moment. We all make mistakes we regret as soon as they happen, this just played out in front of thousands in the stadium and millions watching on television. Hopefully, he has learned a valuable lesson in a situation that will not have lasting consequences.

Amy: Ekitike has badly let himself down, though I do not think the pressure of Isak’s arrival had anything to do with it. I agree with Slot and Robertson that he will take this as a lesson. It was poor judgment from Hugo, and it took some shine off what was otherwise another strong attacking display from Liverpool.