Alexander Isak opened his account for Liverpool as the Reds overcame Southampton 2-1 in the Carabao Cup, a match marked by drama and a late sending-off for Hugo Ekitike.
The Swedish forward netted in the 43rd minute, calmly finishing after Federico Chiesa capitalized on a mistake by Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and laid the ball off to Isak.
Liverpool, however, struggled to maintain control, and Southampton drew level in the 76th minute.
Shea Charles turned in Wataru Endo’s headed attempt back towards his own goal, setting up a tense finish.
Ekitike, who had replaced Isak at halftime and has shown promise since his summer move to Merseyside, restored Liverpool’s lead. Chiesa’s run created the chance for Ekitike to slot home, only for celebration to cost him dearly.
Already on a yellow card, the French striker removed his shirt in jubilation and was promptly sent off, leaving Liverpool to hold on with ten men for the remaining minutes.
Manager Arne Slot had rotated heavily, making 11 changes from the side that defeated Everton on Saturday, and while the performance was far from flawless, Liverpool’s depth shone through.
The club, 10-time winners of the competition, have reached the final in three of the last four seasons, a testament to the squad’s resilience as they aim to continue that tradition.
