Liverpool secured their status in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Southampton in a match at Anfield on Tuesday evening. The match saw club-record signing Alexander Isak score his first goal with the Reds and young Hugo Ekitike score a late goal and then be sent off for an overzealous celebration.
This summer has seen Isaak, who moved to Liverpool in a blockbuster PS125m deal that was reportedly buying him Newcastle United, open his account with Liverpool in the 43rd minute with a calm finish that left Anfield in a frenzy. The Swedish forward almost scored within the first minute but was thwarted by Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, an indication of the goal that led to the record transfer fee.
Southampton eventually responded in the second half and earned their reward when Shea Charles took advantage of an expensive error by the midfielder Wataru Endo to make the game 1-1 in the 76th minute. The equaliser momentarily quieted the home audience and prepared a nervous last part.
Having only five minutes of normal play left, the decisive moment came with the low shot of a goal by 21-year-old Hugo Ekitike, who was able to give the goal back to Liverpool. His exuberant shirtless celebration, however, earned him the second yellow card, an automatic red card. Captain Andy Robertson termed the act stupid and said that Ekitike is still young and will learn the lesson.
It was an embarrassing late drama, but Liverpool was fortunate to gain the victory and continue the quest for silverware in the domestic cup competitions. Looking back at his first goal, Isak said he is still getting used to life at Anfield. It is still early, a new club, new teammates, but I feel good, he said.
In other matches of the Carabao Cup, the champions of the Club World Cup, Chelsea, defeated Lincoln City 2-1, and the League One Cardiff City had a surprise victory over Burnley 2-1. Wolverhampton Wanderers also beat the Premier League team Everton, which was led by Jack Grealish, 2-0 and sent them home.
