Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham: Mac Allister and Gakpo Shine Before Szoboszlai Stunner Seals Cup Win
Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scored before Conor Gallagher set up a tense finish, only for Dominik Szoboszlai to seal it with a stunning long-range volley.
- Competition: Carabao Cup third round
- Venue: Anfield
- Score: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
- Goals: Mac Allister 21', Gakpo 47', Gallagher 69', Szoboszlai 86'
- What's at stake: Liverpool advance to the fourth round
- Manager rotation: Andoni Iraola made 10 changes to his Liverpool XI
Confirmed line-ups
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Starting XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili; defenders, midfielders and forwards not listed in source — full line-up unavailable
Substitutes: Not listed in source
Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI: Martin Dubravka; Lucas Bergvall; other players not listed in source
Substitutes: Not listed in source
Selection notes
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made 10 changes to his starting XI, handing opportunities to academy players and squad members. The rotation was designed to protect key players ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth. Tottenham's line-up was not detailed in the source beyond Dubravka and Bergvall.
Mac Allister delivers again for Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister was one of the senior figures tasked with providing control and quality in an inexperienced Liverpool side. He did exactly that, firing an excellent effort into the top corner after 21 minutes following an open start in which Lucas Bergvall tested Giorgi Mamardashvili and Lewis Koumas was denied by Martin Dubravka.
It continued an encouraging run in front of goal following his strike against Atletico Madrid and offered further evidence that Mac Allister is becoming increasingly influential under Iraola. His ability to arrive around the edge of the penalty area could become particularly important, and Liverpool appear increasingly willing to give him opportunities to move beyond midfield.
His contribution was not restricted to his goal either, with his experience particularly valuable alongside some of Liverpool’s younger players. Speaking afterwards, Mac Allister praised the attitude of the academy players and suggested they could have a significant part to play across the course of the season.
Gakpo continues productive Liverpool form
Liverpool strengthened their position shortly after the interval through Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman found the space required to lash home Liverpool’s second, leaving Tottenham facing a considerable task at 2-0 down.
Gakpo’s numbers during the opening weeks have been impressive, with two goals and three assists from five appearances. That productivity is particularly notable following the uncertainty surrounding his future during the transfer window. Liverpool ultimately retained a player capable of operating in several attacking positions, and his early-season contributions have demonstrated the value of doing so.
There have occasionally been questions over Gakpo's consistency since his arrival at Anfield, but his current form suggests a player operating with confidence. His combination of strength, technical ability and intelligent movement continues to make him a useful option within Iraola’s attacking structure.
Iraola rotation pays off
The scale of Liverpool's rotation was arguably the most significant aspect of the evening. With Premier League matters returning against Bournemouth on Sunday, Iraola opted to make 10 changes and placed considerable trust in the wider squad. That approach always carried some risk.
Tottenham created chances, particularly during the first half, and Liverpool were not always in complete control. However, the ability to progress while protecting a number of regular starters represents an important outcome. The Carabao Cup has frequently provided Liverpool with a pathway for younger players to accumulate meaningful senior minutes, and this was another example. Matches against Premier League opposition offer a much more useful assessment than academy football alone.
Liverpool's youngsters were forced to manage different phases of the contest, including a difficult period during the final quarter when Tottenham dramatically increased the pressure. That experience could prove valuable later in the campaign.
Gallagher gives Tottenham hope
What appeared to be a relatively comfortable Liverpool victory suddenly became considerably less certain when Conor Gallagher headed Tottenham back into the contest shortly before the 70-minute mark. At 2-1, the momentum shifted. Tottenham began pushing Liverpool deeper and created sufficient pressure to make Iraola’s side uncomfortable.
It highlighted an area Liverpool will need to improve. Having established a two-goal advantage at Anfield, the hosts would ideally have managed the closing stages with greater authority. Instead, Spurs remained alive until the final moments. Mamardashvili was eventually required to produce an excellent late save to prevent Tottenham from drawing level.
For the Georgian goalkeeper, opportunities such as this are important. Liverpool's strength in the position means every appearance carries significance, and his intervention proved one of the key moments of the match. Had Tottenham scored, the entire complexion of the evening could have changed.
Szoboszlai produces spectacular final word
Liverpool ultimately made sure there would be no dramatic Tottenham comeback. And they did so in remarkable fashion. Szoboszlai met the ball from around 30 yards and unleashed a ferocious volley beyond Dubravka, producing a goal worthy of deciding almost any contest.
It was a spectacular conclusion and turned a tense 2-1 advantage into a far more emphatic-looking 3-1 scoreline. The Hungarian possesses exceptional ball-striking ability, something Liverpool supporters have witnessed regularly since his arrival, but this was another level. With Tottenham pushing for an equaliser, Szoboszlai's goal ended the contest immediately.
Liverpool progress with plenty of positives
There were imperfections in Liverpool’s performance. Tottenham created chances, Liverpool allowed their opponents back into the match from a strong position and Mamardashvili was required to make an important late save. But context matters.
Iraola changed almost his entire starting XI, several younger players gained important experience and Liverpool still eliminated Premier League opposition. Mac Allister continued his encouraging individual form, Gakpo added another goal to an impressive start to the campaign and Szoboszlai provided the moment of the evening. For Liverpool, the immediate objective was straightforward: reach the next round while protecting the squad ahead of more important challenges. They achieved exactly that.
The performance may have provided Iraola with areas to address, but a 3-1 victory, further evidence of Liverpool’s squad depth and another Carabao Cup tie to come makes this a productive night at Anfield.
What was said
"[The academy players] could have a significant part to play across the course of the season."
Mac Allister's words underline the value Iraola places on the club's youth pipeline. The Argentine, one of the few senior figures in the starting XI, recognised the contribution of the academy graduates and hinted at a larger role for them in the coming months.
The quote also reflects the harmony within the squad despite heavy rotation. With a busy fixture list ahead, having young players capable of stepping in without disrupting the rhythm is a significant asset for Iraola.
The numbers
- Goals: Mac Allister 21', Gakpo 47', Gallagher 69', Szoboszlai 86'
- Gakpo's season: 2 goals and 3 assists from 5 appearances
- Liverpool changes: 10 from previous match
- Szoboszlai's strike distance: ~30 yards
Why Iraola's gamble was calculated
Andoni Iraola's decision to make 10 changes was a bold statement of trust in his squad. By fielding a mix of senior figures like Mac Allister and Gakpo alongside academy talent, he ensured Liverpool remained competitive while resting key men for the Premier League trip to Bournemouth.
The gamble paid off not just in the result but in the experience gained by the youngsters. Facing a Tottenham side that pressed and created chances in the first half, the Liverpool rookies had to adapt to a higher intensity than they would face in youth football. That exposure is invaluable for their development.
However, the match also exposed a familiar flaw: Liverpool's inability to kill off the game when dominant. At 2-0, they allowed Spurs back into it through Gallagher's header, and only Mamardashvili's late save prevented a nervy finale. Iraola will need to address this game management issue as the season progresses.
Talking points
- Should Iraola have kept a stronger bench to avoid the late scare, or was protecting key players the right call with Bournemouth next?
- Gakpo's form (2 goals, 3 assists in 5 games) raises the question: is he now undroppable in the Premier League?
- Mac Allister's advanced role is yielding goals — does that make him Liverpool's most important midfielder under Iraola?
- Tottenham's second-half fightback showed character, but the early midfield dominance they conceded suggests deeper issues.
What happens next
Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday against Bournemouth at Anfield, where Iraola is expected to recall his regular starters. Tottenham, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they continue their own league campaign. The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw will also give both clubs a clearer picture of their next steps in the competition.
Frequently asked questions
How did Liverpool beat Tottenham in the Carabao Cup?
Liverpool won 3-1 at Anfield with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. Conor Gallagher scored for Tottenham.
Who scored Liverpool's goals against Tottenham?
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Cody Gakpo doubled the lead shortly after half-time, and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the win with a long-range volley.
What round of the Carabao Cup did Liverpool reach?
Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with their 3-1 victory over Tottenham.
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