Liverpool secured their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Tuesday night, in a match that saw a heavily rotated Reds side get the better of Roberto De Zerbi's visitors despite a late scare.
Andoni Iraola's team, still finding their footing after a mixed start under the new manager, fielded a squad shaped by squad rotation for the domestic cup tie, with several first-team regulars introduced from the bench as the game wore on. The gamble paid off as Liverpool showed enough quality throughout to see off a determined Tottenham outfit.
Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock with a composed finish to give the hosts an early lead, settling any early nerves inside Anfield. The Reds doubled their advantage in the second half through Cody Gakpo, who fired home emphatically to put Liverpool in firm control of the tie.
Tottenham, however, refused to fade quietly. Conor Gallagher pulled a goal back for the visitors with just over ten minutes remaining, converting from close range after goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili failed to deal cleanly with a corner delivery. The goal set up a tense finish, with Spurs pushing for an equaliser that would have extended the contest.
Mamardashvili redeemed himself soon after with a crucial save to deny substitute Omar Marmoush, who had burst into the box and looked to find the far corner. The Georgian goalkeeper's intervention proved pivotal in preserving Liverpool's lead during a nervy passage of play late in the match.
Any remaining doubt was erased in stoppage time when substitute Dominik Szoboszlai settled matters in spectacular fashion. The Hungarian midfielder, introduced from the bench amid heavy rain on Merseyside, connected sweetly with a half-volley that flew into the net to make it 3-1 and confirm Liverpool's passage into the next round.
The result will offer some encouragement to Iraola and his squad following a stop-start opening period in charge, which has included a handful of underwhelming performances and draws that left supporters wanting more. Cup progression, even with a much-changed lineup, provides a platform to build momentum heading into the busy months ahead.
For Tottenham, the defeat brings an early end to their involvement in this season's Carabao Cup. De Zerbi's side had shown flashes of quality, particularly in the closing stages when Gallagher's goal briefly threatened a comeback, but they ultimately could not find a way past a well-organised Liverpool defence and an inspired display from Mamardashvili between the sticks.
Late substitutions on both sides shaped the final stages of the contest, with Liverpool bringing on key figures including Szoboszlai and Marmoush, while Tottenham introduced Alexander Isak and Dominic Solanke in search of a way back into the tie. Ultimately, it was Liverpool's changes that made the decisive difference, as Szoboszlai's stunning strike sealed a comfortable if eventful passage through to round four.
Liverpool will now await the draw for the next stage of the competition, looking to carry this cup form into their ongoing campaign across multiple fronts, while Tottenham turn their attention back to other competitions following their exit from the Carabao Cup.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.