Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup thanks to an 85th-minute winner from Hugo Ekitiké, but the victory came at a price. The forward was shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration, meaning he will miss Saturday’s visit to Crystal Palace. Debutant defender Giovanni Leoni also left the pitch with what could be a serious knee injury.
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Liverpool, capitalizing on a mistake by Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. Isak’s first-time finish came only 46 seconds into the match, after Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa combined to exploit defensive gaps. McCarthy initially blocked Isak’s shot, but a poor pass later allowed the Italy international to intercept and set up the goal. The £125 million signing completed the move with a composed finish, his first for Liverpool.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot criticized Ekitiké’s dismissal as “stupid,” calling the first yellow card for dissent unnecessary and emphasizing the importance of controlling emotions. Slot added that even remarkable goals should be celebrated responsibly. Ekitiké apologized on Instagram, acknowledging his excitement led to the second booking.
Before kick-off, a moment of silence honored Matt Beard, the former manager of Liverpool Women, who passed away at 47. Beard won two Women’s Super League titles and led the club back to the top flight during his second tenure.
Slot maintained his promise to field a different lineup from the team that won the Merseyside derby on Saturday. Leoni, paired with Joe Gomez in central defence, showed composure and alertness in his first appearance following a £26 million summer transfer from Parma. Unfortunately, his promising performance ended with a potential anterior cruciate ligament injury, and he is set for an MRI scan.
Southampton gave Liverpool a difficult evening. Adam Armstrong drew a fingertip save from Giorgi Mamardashvili following a slick passing move, and Léo Scienza squandered a golden chance from close range. The visitors even equalized briefly from a corner, keeping Anfield on edge.
Despite these scares, Liverpool dominated the latter stages of the match. Ekitiké’s movement and Chiesa’s work rate helped control Southampton’s counterattacks, while the Premier League leaders continued to create opportunities. The late goal secured a sixth late victory in a seven-game sequence, reinforcing Liverpool’s knack for clutch performances in knockout competitions.
Slot hinted at a cautious approach with Isak, easing the striker back to match fitness after his summer move from Newcastle. The game also highlighted ongoing concerns about squad discipline and composure, with the red card and Leoni’s injury serving as reminders of football’s fine margins.
Liverpool now prepare for their next challenge at Crystal Palace, hoping to keep their momentum while managing suspensions and monitoring Leoni’s recovery. Meanwhile, Ekitiké’s lessons on emotional control will be a talking point as the team balances flair with responsibility on the pitch.
