Liverpool 2-1 Southampton: Reds Edge Through But Ekitike Suspension Casts Shadow

Liverpool survived a jittery night at Anfield to book their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round, but the 2-1 victory over Southampton came at a cost. Goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were enough to see the Reds through, yet a sloppy display, a needless red card, and an untimely injury soured the evening.

A Night of Change and Remembrance

With one eye firmly on the Premier League, Arne Slot made 11 changes from the side that beat Everton at the weekend. Debuts were handed to summer arrivals Giorgi Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni, while Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni represented the academy ranks. Alexander Isak, still searching for rhythm in a red shirt, led the line alongside Federico Chiesa and Ngumoha.

Before kick-off, Anfield observed a poignant minute’s silence in memory of former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard, who passed away at just 47. The tribute underlined the sense of community that surrounds the club, though the football that followed did little to inspire.

A Sluggish First Half

Liverpool were almost ahead inside the first minute, Isak meeting a loose ball but firing straight at the Southampton keeper. It set the tone: moments of promise undermined by careless execution.

Southampton quickly grew in confidence, forcing Mamardashvili into a sharp save before rattling the crossbar and somehow failing to convert the rebound. The Georgian debutant looked calm, but those in front of him were anything but.

Chiesa, lively throughout, offered Liverpool’s best outlet, twice testing the visiting back line. Yet it was Southampton who looked sharper until, against the run of play, Liverpool struck.

Chiesa nicked the ball high up the pitch, burst into the area, and laid it off for Isak. The Swede needed only one touch, sweeping the ball home with trademark precision. Relief rippled around Anfield rather than celebration.

Half-time: Liverpool 1-0 Southampton.

Ekitike’s Rollercoaster

Isak’s night ended at the break, withdrawn for Ekitike as Slot rotated his forwards. If the first half had been untidy, the second was downright ragged. Liverpool struggled to build rhythm, Southampton sensing vulnerability.

The visitors eventually got their reward. From a corner, Wataru Endo failed to clear properly, allowing Shea Charles to stab home his first Southampton goal on 76 minutes. Anfield groaned, it had been coming.

Worse followed when Leoni went down clutching his knee, the debutant stretchered off in distress. His team-mates looked shaken, and the tie briefly felt like it was slipping away.

Then, out of nowhere, Liverpool regained control. Chiesa, again the spark, surged down the right and picked out Ekitike. The Frenchman made no mistake, finishing emphatically to restore the lead.

But jubilation turned into exasperation within seconds. Ekitike ripped off his shirt in celebration, earning a second yellow card and leaving Liverpool with ten men for the closing stages. It was a needless act, one that now rules him out of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

A Win, But No Statement

Liverpool held on, though the manner of victory left plenty to ponder. Mamardashvili did enough to suggest he will be a capable deputy to Alisson, while Chiesa’s influence was undeniable. But careless passing, slack defensive moments, and a lack of midfield control painted a picture of a squad still bedding in new faces.

For Slot, the win matters, but the performance and Ekitike’s suspension will frustrate him. Isak, now certain to start at Selhurst Park, has his first Liverpool goal in the bank, yet the Frenchman’s absence denies the manager valuable flexibility.

The Road Ahead

The fourth-round draw awaits on Wednesday evening, but Liverpool will need a sharper edge if they are to mount a serious challenge in this competition. With Palace looming, attention now shifts to how Slot juggles his options after a draining and disjointed night.