Liverpool’s Rotated Squad Sends Tottenham Out of the Carabao Cup

Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, while Tottenham’s wait for a first League Cup trophy since 2008 continued.

Andoni Iraola made 10 changes to Liverpool’s starting lineup after recent fixture demands. The manager used the club’s squad depth ahead of Sunday’s upcoming Premier League matchup against Bournemouth.

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Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall tested Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with an early effort during an open opening spell. Liverpool academy forward Lewis Koumas also had a chance, but Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dubravka blocked his shot.

Alexis Mac Allister gave Liverpool the lead in the 21st minute after collecting the ball near the edge of the penalty area and driving his shot into the top corner. The Argentine midfielder moved into an advanced central role alongside Koumas after transferring to Anfield from Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2023.

Mac Allister’s goal was his second in recent outings, following his strike against Atletico Madrid in European play. After the match, he praised the work rate of Liverpool’s academy players and said squad rotation would remain essential during the multi-competition season.

Liverpool’s place in the English Football League Cup remains secure after the club’s record 10th triumph in the competition in February 2024. The team’s extensive rotation did not prevent its senior figures from providing early structure.

Cody Gakpo increased Liverpool’s advantage shortly after the second-half restart. The Dutch international forward, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, created space inside the box before beating Dubravka to make it 2-0.

The goal moved Gakpo’s early-season record to two goals and three assists in five appearances across all competitions. Tottenham responded near the 70-minute mark, when midfielder Conor Gallagher met a cross with a header to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Gallagher’s goal began a period of heavy pressure from the visitors. Tottenham pushed Liverpool into a defensive posture during the final 20 minutes and created several opportunities inside the penalty box.

Mamardashvili, the Georgian international goalkeeper signed from Valencia, turned away a late Tottenham attempt to preserve Liverpool’s one-goal lead. Liverpool then settled the match in stoppage time.

Hungarian international midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in July 2023, struck a 30-yard volley past Dubravka for the final 3-1 scoreline. Liverpool moves into the fourth round draw as Iraola’s squad prepares to resume its Premier League schedule.