Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the League Cup as a rotated side saw off Tottenham 3-1 at a wet and windy Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a brilliant finish from just inside the box after 21 minutes before Cody Gakpo doubled their lead with an even better strike just after half-time.
Conor Gallagher gave Spurs hope with little over 20 minutes to go but Andoni Iraola’s side saw off a few scares before Dominik Szoboszlai scored yet another screamer to ice the game in added-time.
How Liverpool saw off Spurs
The kids are more than alright
As expected, Iraola used the third round clash to rotate his side and give several promising youngsters an opportunity to impress.
As well as the now-regular Rio Ngumoha, there were first starts of the season for midfielders Trey Nyoni and James McConnell while Lewis Koumas operated as an unconventional no.9.
All three looked the part with Nyoni showing further signs that he could become a real option in a problem position for the Reds. The 19-year-old lasted just over an hour but did near-everything to a high level and in an understated manner.
Koumas worked incredibly hard from the front, similar to Evanilson during Iraola’s time at Bournemouth, and he could be an alternative to Alexander Isak as the season picks up steam in the coming months.
Overall, the rotation indicated Liverpool may have more squad options than first realised, which can only be a good thing.
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Senior pros step up with three screamers
While several youngsters got a chance as is League Cup early rounds tradition, Liverpool still had plenty of experience in their side.
World Cup winner Mac Allister recently said he was “sad” over the lack of a new contract offer from the club but reminded everyone of his quality with a stunning top corner finish in the first half.
Cody Gakpo was also linked with a move away over the summer but has arguably been the Reds’ best player this season. He provided the lay off for Mac Allister’s goal before bending one from the left-hand side of the box in what is fast becoming his favourite finish.
Szoboszlai came on just past the hour and added to his catalogue of absolute screamers with a frankly ridiculous half-volley in added time.
Iraola will need all three to step up again on Sunday when he returns to Bournemouth for what is certain to be a very tough game.
Spurs’ struggles continue but a shred of positivity
The three stunning goals scored by Liverpool added to the unlucky and miserable feeling around Spurs so far this season.
While the scoreline is the only statistic that truly matters, Roberto De Zerbi’s men had the better of almost everything else in the game from shots on target to possession.
Conor Gallagher’s goal was their first against a Premier League side at the fifth time of asking but their continued inability to take chances means they are out of the League Cup by mid-September.
With a three-week international break coming after this weekend’s action, Spurs need for a positive result cannot be understated. A clash with another side without a league win or goal in Aston Villa is arguably the game of the weekend with the loser – if there is one – facing over 20 days of contemplation.
Can they take positives from tonight and finally kick on?