Liverpool’s much-changed side sends Tottenham out of Carabao Cup

Liverpool reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield, adding to the pressure on Spurs after a difficult start to the season.

Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead in the 21st minute, guiding a side-footed finish into the top corner after the ball fell to him just outside the penalty area.

Giorgi Mamardashvili had already been called into action, producing an excellent save to deny Lucas Bergvall, and the Liverpool goalkeeper was again influential later in the match.

Tottenham fell further behind soon after half-time when Cody Gakpo completed a well-worked attack, receiving the ball from Mac Allister before finding the net.

Andy Robertson came on shortly afterwards and was given a standing ovation by the Anfield crowd on his first return since leaving Liverpool during the off-season.

Tottenham, managed by Roberto de Zerbi, reduced the deficit in the 69th minute. Conor Gallagher turned Mateus Fernandes’ corner into the net to give the visitors hope of forcing an equaliser.

Spurs created opportunities to level, but Mamardashvili kept out Omar Marmoush with another fine save and Savio missed the target from inside the penalty area.

Dominik Szoboszlai secured Liverpool’s progress in stoppage time. He controlled the ball on his chest before striking a 25-yard effort into the net, with the goal likened to a Steven Gerrard-esque thunderbolt.

Tottenham’s defeat means they have now lost three of their six matches in all competitions this season. Their only victory came against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.

Andoni Iraola made 10 changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Fulham on Saturday, with Ronald Araujo the only player to retain his place. Joe Gomez captained the visitors on his first appearance of the campaign.

“I made a lot of changes but I think I needed to do it,” said Iraola.

“We lacked a bit of energy the other day and we needed fresh legs and I am happy that all the players have given us energy and aggressiveness.”

De Zerbi said Tottenham’s attack had yet to fully find its rhythm but insisted the squad had enough quality to improve.

“I don’t know if the [moment Spurs’ attack will] click is on Saturday because we have enough qualities to score many goals with these players,” said De Zerbi. “It is a tough moment but we have to be stronger.”