Liverpool FC has won its seventh competitive game in a row. In the third round of the League Cup, Ekitiké scored the winning goal for the Reds against Southampton—and was immediately sent off the pitch.
Arne Slot had announced a “completely changed starting lineup” ahead of the cup game – and indeed, the Reds coach made a total of eleven changes compared to the recent 2-1 win against Everton. Among others in the starting lineup: record signing Isak and 18-year-old newcomer Leoni, who made his debut. Numerous big names such as Wirtz, van Dijk and Salah were completely absent from the squad.
Against the Premier League leaders, Southampton FC, coach Will Still relied on former Heidenheim player Scienza as well as two former German second division players, Quarshie (Fürth) and Jander (Nuremberg).
Former Cologne player Downs initially sat on the bench for the 19th-placed Championship side, who had recently lost 3-1 at Hull City.
Isak misses dream start – Saints surprisingly brave
The visitors had also rotated their squad – and were lucky not to be 1-0 down after less than 60 seconds: Isak found himself unmarked in front of McCarthy but failed to beat the Saints keeper. It was the start of a lively first half in which Southampton also made their presence felt.
The Premier League relegation side played with a lot of courage up front and forced Reds substitute goalkeeper Mamardashvili into a good save from Armstrong (6′). For long periods, there was no sign of a class difference, with the Saints coming close to a deserved lead on several occasions.
Scienza misses, Isak celebrates
This was the case at the start of the 43rd minute, when Armstrong’s shot off the crossbar resulted in a huge chance for Scienza. However, the Brazilian headed wide from a few meters out, which came back to haunt him moments later at the other end: a pass from McCarthy fell short in his own penalty area, allowing Chiesa to intervene and pass to Isak. The Swede kept his cool and scored his first goal for the Reds. The reigning champions went into the break with a lead that was not necessarily deserved. Unlike his ten teammates, however, debut goalscorer Isak remained in the dressing room due to fatigue. Ekitiké replaced him in the same position.
Southampton equalizes after Endo error
The underdogs were unable to carry their momentum from the first half into the second, but Liverpool also rarely looked convincing in attack. A goal from Chiesa was disallowed for a clear offside (61′).
Instead, it was the Saints who celebrated the equalizer at Anfield Road in the 76th minute: following a corner and a failed header by Endo, Charles shot the ball into the net from close range. It was doubly bitter for the home team: just four minutes later, Leoni had to leave the field injured, apparently with a knee injury.
Ekitiké decides the game – and gets sent off
A penalty shootout was looming, but Ekitiké had the final say in regular time – in two ways: After a pass from Chiesa, who had been sent on his way by Robertson, the Frenchman effortlessly slotted home to make it 2-1 (85′). However, as he took off his shirt in celebration and had already been shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away (53′), he was sent off with a second yellow.
Even with a man down, the Reds ultimately held on to the result, meaning they will soon travel to Crystal Palace on the back of a seven-game winning streak in the league. Southampton will play Middlesbrough at the same time (both on Saturday at 4 p.m.).
