Liverpool booked their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night after a tense 2-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield.
The Reds took control just before half-time when summer signing Alexander Isak opened his account for the club in the 43rd minute. The striker showed composure as he latched onto a clever pass from Federico Chiesa and calmly slotted home to give the hosts the advantage going into the break.
Southampton, however, fought their way back into the contest. Midfielder Shea Charles found space inside the box in the 76th minute and rifled a shot beyond the Liverpool goalkeeper, restoring parity and briefly silencing the home support.
With the prospect of extra time looming, Liverpool responded decisively. Substitute Hugo Ekitike struck in the 85th minute, finishing off another well-worked move initiated by Chiesa, who claimed his second assist of the night.
But the joy of the winner was tempered almost immediately. Ekitike, in his exuberant celebration, removed his shirt and received a second yellow card, leaving Arne Slot’s men to finish the match with 10 players.
Despite the setback, Liverpool held firm in the closing minutes, displaying discipline and resilience to repel Southampton’s late surge and secure progression to the next round.
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