Szoboszlai stunner sends Liverpool past Tottenham in Carabao Cup
Dominik Szoboszlai produced a stunning late finish as Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 to book their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Liverpool, despite making 10 changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Fulham at the weekend, proved too strong for a Tottenham side still searching for consistency under Roberto De Zerbi.
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Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo had put the visitors in control before Conor Gallagher gave Spurs hope with their first goal against Premier League opposition this season.
Mac Allister and Gakpo put Liverpool in control
Liverpool survived an early scare when Giorgi Mamardashvili produced an excellent save to deny Lucas Bergvall.
The hosts then took the lead in the 21st minute when the ball fell kindly to Mac Allister on the edge of the box, with the midfielder calmly side-footing his effort into the top corner.
Tottenham had a chance to respond before half-time, but Mohammed Kudus missed from close range as Liverpool took their advantage into the break.
The Reds extended their lead after the interval following a well-worked attacking move. Mac Allister supplied Gakpo, who finished the move to make it 2-0.
Liverpool then gave Andy Robertson an emotional welcome when the former Reds defender came off the Spurs bench to make his first return to Anfield since leaving the club in the summer.
Szoboszlai seals victory with spectacular strike
Tottenham finally found a way through in the 69th minute when Gallagher turned in Mateus Fernandes’ corner.
The goal ended Spurs’ wait for a goal against a Premier League opponent this season and was their first since August 26, when they scored in the previous round of the competition.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser, but Mamardashvili kept Liverpool ahead with another impressive save to deny Omar Marmoush, while Savio fired wide from inside the box.
Liverpool eventually settled the contest in stoppage time through Szoboszlai.
The Hungary international controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a spectacular 25-yard strike into the net to complete Liverpool’s victory.
Tottenham have now suffered three defeats in six matches across all competitions this season, with their only victory coming against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool, meanwhile, advance to the fourth round despite making wholesale changes to their starting XI.