Liverpool booked their place in the next round of the EFL Cup with an impressive 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, as Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai delivered the goals at Anfield.
Tottenham threatened a comeback through Conor Gallagher, but Liverpool responded late to put the contest beyond reach and continue their push for domestic cup glory.
Mac Allister Gives Liverpool the Lead
Liverpool made the breakthrough in the 21st minute through Alexis Mac Allister, giving the hosts the advantage after an energetic opening spell.
Tottenham attempted to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, but the first half became increasingly physical. Ronald Araújo, Jeremie Frimpong, Omar Marmoush and Rodrigo Bentancur all received bookings before the interval.
Liverpool nevertheless protected their advantage and headed into half-time 1-0 ahead.
Gakpo Doubles Liverpool’s Advantage
The Reds strengthened their grip on the tie nine minutes after the restart.
Mac Allister turned provider this time, setting up Cody Gakpo, who struck in the 54th minute to make it 2-0.
It completed an excellent individual contribution from Mac Allister, who had now played a direct role in both Liverpool goals.
Gallagher Gives Tottenham Hope
Tottenham refused to surrender, and their substitutions injected fresh energy into the contest.
That persistence paid off in the 69th minute, when Conor Gallagher converted following an assist from Mateus Fernandes, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Suddenly, Liverpool had a contest on their hands.
Both managers turned to their benches as the intensity increased, with Liverpool introducing Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Bradley Barcola. At the same time, Tottenham brought on players including Savio, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke.
Szoboszlai Seals Liverpool’s 3-1 Win
Tottenham’s hopes of forcing a dramatic finish were eventually extinguished in stoppage time.
In the 91st minute, Gakpo found Dominik Szoboszlai, and the Hungarian delivered the decisive third goal to secure a 3-1 Liverpool victory.
Gakpo finished the evening with a goal and an assist, while Mac Allister also contributed a goal and an assist in a commanding Liverpool performance.
Liverpool March On in the EFL Cup
Liverpool’s ability to respond after Tottenham pulled a goal back proved crucial. Rather than allowing the visitors to build momentum, the Reds managed the closing stages before delivering the knockout blow through Szoboszlai.
For Tottenham, Gallagher’s goal offered brief hope, but their EFL Cup journey ended after they failed to overturn Liverpool’s two-goal advantage.
Liverpool, meanwhile, advances with another convincing cup performance and remains firmly in contention for EFL Cup silverware.
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