Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning strike sealed a 3-1 win for Liverpool over Tottenham in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo put the Reds in control before the hour but Conor Gallagher pulled one back for Roberto De Zerbi's team and it took a sensational fingertip save from Giorgi Mamardashvili to deny Omar Marmoush an equaliser.
There was no stopping Szoboszlai's stoppage-time effort, however, arrowed beyond Martin Dubravka. Andoni Iraola's Liverpool progress while the Spurs supporters have to be content with bagging their first goal of the campaign against top-flight opposition.
11 - SAVE! Bergvall kept out by the legs of Mamardashvili
21 - GOAL! Mac Allister curls the opener high into the net
32 - MISS! Kudus fails to find the target when well placed
54 - GOAL! Gakpo fires the ball home to double the lead
69 - GOAL! Gallagher nods the ball in from close range
86 - SAVE! Amazing by Mamardashvili to deny Marmoush
90+1 - GOAL! Szoboszlai's stunner seals it for the Reds
Lucas Bergvall really should have slotted Spurs in front early in the game but his close-range shot found the legs of Mamardashvili instead. And Liverpool punished them for that wastefulness when Mac Allister curled the ball high into the net for the opener.
Mohammed Kudus contrived to volley high and wide after smart work by Destiny Udogie before half-time. Liverpool were just more clinical, summed up by the manner in which Gakpo slammed in a second in front of the Kop to cap an excellent Liverpool move.
The Dutchman was a target for Tottenham in the summer. He currently has more Premier League goals this season than they do. Out of the Carabao Cup and with Richarlison out of the squad, De Zerbi's only consolation was a spirited effort at Anfield.
For Andoni Iraola, he will be encouraged by the energy and the quality in evidence. Intensity appeared to be an issue against Fulham on Saturday but the 10 changes actually helped with Lewis Koumas eager and Trey Nyoni producing a mature display in midfield.
And when Szoboszlai can do that, it makes everything easier.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola speaking in the press conference:
"Three goals we scored were very good goals; the origin of the goals for the first and second ones was also very important for us. The third one is a worldie. With other players you are thinking it is too far. With Dom you are thinking he might score."
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola speaking about Lewis Koumas in the press conference:
"I said in the week and say it for a reason; I see it in training every day. The energy that he shows is contagious for the rest. When they see the ones up front doing it, they are forced to go from behind."
Your Site' Jamie Redknapp on Liverpool:
"That's the best I've seen them. Obviously, Tottenham played into their hands as they're trying to play out from the back. But the number of times they (Liverpool) won it back because they were so quick and aggressive to get after them. That's what Andoni did at Bournemouth and that's what he's trying to do at Liverpool. It will take time, but they'll certainly get it."
Your Site' Jamie Redknapp on Tottenham:
"From Tottenham's point of view, there were positives. They had a sharpness to their game. Bergvall did well. There's lots to look forward to for the weekend. It was a better performance. On another day, they could have had two or three goals. Liverpool just had enough."
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi speaking to Your Site:
"We created chances to win the game. It's not a very good moment, but I believe in my players, and I told them five minutes ago to stay calm.
"We need a click. I don't know if we are able to make this click Saturday, but playing like this and believing in ourselves and our style of play, I think we'll win many games and score many goals because the qualities of my players is very high.
"There are many, many positives. We are sorry, disappointed and frustrated for the results. I think we didn't deserve to lose, but it's the first season. We are building totally different things with me.
"I believe in my players, this project. I have no doubts. I believe in this club, but now we are not so lucky. It's not good to say too many 'ifs' but we played very well this evening."
