Liverpool ended Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup campaign with a 3-1 third-round win at Anfield, as three clinical finishes punished Roberto De Zerbi’s side despite a more encouraging attack.
Tottenham began well and caused Liverpool some problems, but once again failed to make their best chances count. Mohammed Kudus passed up a major chance during an open first half, while Giorgi Mamardashvili produced an instinctive save to prevent Spurs from capitalising on their bright start from Lucas Bergvall.
Liverpool provided the clinical edge Tottenham lacked. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 21st minute, collecting a loose ball near the penalty area before guiding an excellent effort into the top corner. Martin Dubravka was given little chance as the hosts took control of a balanced tie.
Spurs continued to have plenty of possession but struggled to play through Liverpool’s energetic press. Rio Ngumoha and Milos Kerkez helped create an opening before Mac Allister found Cody Gakpo inside the box, and the Netherlands international cut in and drove a powerful finish across Dubravka to double Liverpool’s advantage.
De Zerbi responded by introducing Mateus Fernandes and former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, who received a warm reception on his return to Anfield. Tottenham found a route back into the game in the 69th minute. Mamardashvili misjudged Omar Marmoush’s corner, allowing Conor Gallagher to head into an open goal from close range.
That goal changed the atmosphere and gave Spurs renewed belief. Kudus had earlier forced Mamardashvili into another stop, while substitutes James Maddison and Savinho added urgency late on. Marmoush also came close, but the Liverpool goalkeeper recovered from his mistake and made several decisive saves as Tottenham pushed for an equaliser.
However, the visitors couldn't complete the comeback. Dominik Szoboszlai settled the tie in the first minute of stoppage time, chesting the ball down from distance before unleashing a sensational strike beyond Dubravka and into the top corner.
The scoreline felt harsh on Tottenham, whose attacking performance contained more promise than their recent goalless league displays. But again, Roberto De Zerbi’s first was unable to convert the chance they created, which allowed the home side to take advantage.
Starting XI: Dubravka, Tosin, Senesi, Gallagher, Tel, Udogie, Gray (c), Bergvall, Kudus, Marmoush, Bentancur.
Substitutes: Kinsky, Robertson, van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Davies, van de Ven.
Starting XI: Mamardashvili, Gomez (c), Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Frimpong, Araujo, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas, Ngumoha.
Substitutes: Allisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Munoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers.
