Liverpool advanced to the next round of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield, in a match where the home side took control early and settled the contest in stoppage time.
Mac Allister opened the game in the first half
The match was unlocked in the 21st minute, when Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead and set the pace of the game at Anfield.
The midfielder’s goal gave the home side confidence, and they went into the break with a narrow lead but clearer control of the match.
Liverpool extended the gap, Tottenham responded
In the second half, Liverpool found a second goal as well. In the 54th minute, Cody Gakpo made it 2-0, moving the team one step closer to qualification.
Tottenham responded in the 69th minute, when Conor Gallagher scored for 2-1 and temporarily revived the London side’s hopes in this encounter.
Szoboszlai sealed qualification in stoppage time
As the match entered its closing minutes, Liverpool avoided any open-ended scenario and struck once more.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Dominik Szoboszlai scored the third goal and definitively closed the match at 3-1. With this win, Liverpool continue their Carabao Cup campaign, while Tottenham are out of the competition.
The match at Anfield produced tempo and response from both teams, but in the end the difference was Liverpool’s efficiency in key moments.
The 3-1 win sends the home side into the next round, while for Tottenham this was another evening when an attempted comeback came to nothing.