Ekitike’s emotions spark red card drama as Isak opportunity arises
Celebration turns sour for Liverpool striker
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup progress was marked by jubilation and frustration in equal measure. Hugo Ekitike provided the winning goal against Southampton, only to see his evening collapse in the haze of a red card.
The forward, who had entered the pitch at half-time, struck in the 85th minute and tore off his shirt, presenting it triumphantly to the Anfield crowd. The gesture, familiar and theatrical, carried its inevitable punishment. What the Frenchman failed to register was that he was already on a yellow card. The second booking left Liverpool to finish the match a man down and left his manager bemused.
Ekitike later posted an apology. “I was so excited to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match. The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my team-mates for this victory.”
Slot unimpressed by red card moment
Arne Slot, fresh from his side’s 2-1 victory, did not disguise his irritation. “It is not [stupid] because it was his second [yellow], it’s stupid even if you haven’t had a yellow card yet,” the Liverpool head coach explained.
“Maybe I’m a bit old-fashioned but I did score a few goals, not at his level, but I did and if I went past three players and put it in the top corner then maybe you can say: ‘This is all about me.’ But if I scored a goal like he did tonight, I would turn to Chiesa and say: ‘It’s about you Federico, great assist, great run and I didn’t have to do a lot.’ It was stupid, not smart in every sense.”
Slot concluded that while his team-mates secured the victory, the suspension was “far from ideal” ahead of Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park.
Cost of suspension for Liverpool
Ekitike’s impact since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million has been considerable. Three goals and an assist in five Premier League games marked him out as a pivotal figure while Alexander Isak was being eased back to full fitness. His contribution has helped Liverpool maintain their perfect domestic start after the Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace.
Former striker Chris Sutton reflected on BBC Radio 5 Live that Ekitike’s dismissal was “sheer stupidity”. He noted: “He’s been such an important player for Liverpool so far this season, what a start to his Liverpool career, important goal [against Southampton], but that’s not great for Arne Slot if he’s sitting out the game at the weekend.”
Slot offered some leniency, pointing to the player’s youth. “He probably forgot he got a yellow. He’s young and he will learn from it. I’d be very surprised if he does it again.”
Isak pushing for more minutes
If Ekitike’s ban provides a complication, it also creates an opportunity. Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s record signing, is edging towards full sharpness. He had started against Atletico Madrid in Europe and contributed against Everton before scoring his first Liverpool goal in the Carabao Cup.
“I feel good,” Isak said after Tuesday’s match. “With every game I play it is very helpful and gets me in better shape.”
Asked if he felt ready to start, he added: “It is difficult to say. It is a mixture of fitness-wise and football-wise. I feel good and feel I am in a shape to make a difference.”
Slot must now weigh form against fitness. Ekitike’s emotions carried him to a red card that rules him out, but it could accelerate Isak’s integration as Liverpool’s attention turns to Crystal Palace.
