Liverpool beat Tottenham 3-1 at Anfield as Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai secured Carabao Cup progression.
Dominik Szoboszlai produced a spectacular stoppage-time strike as Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Anfield to advance to the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s advantage shortly after halftime. Conor Gallagher headed Tottenham back into contention, but Szoboszlai’s long-range finish ended the visitors’ recovery attempt.
The result kept Liverpool’s pursuit of a record-extending 11th League Cup alive. Tottenham, meanwhile, exited another competition despite creating enough opportunities to make the contest considerably more difficult for the hosts.
Match Details
- Competition: Carabao Cup third round
- Result: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur
- Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Venue: Anfield
- Attendance: 60,169
- Liverpool scorers: Alexis Mac Allister 21’; Cody Gakpo 54’; Dominik Szoboszlai 90+1’
- Tottenham scorer: Conor Gallagher 69’
Tottenham Waste Promising Early Chances
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola made 10 changes from the team that drew with Fulham, with Ronald Araujo the only player retaining his starting position. Joe Gomez captained the side on his first appearance of the season.
Tottenham also rotated heavily but made the brighter start. Lucas Bergvall appeared certain to score after meeting Destiny Udogie’s low delivery, only for Giorgi Mamardashvili to make an instinctive save with his knee.
Mohammed Kudus then wasted an excellent opportunity by lifting another Udogie delivery over the crossbar from close range.
Those misses proved costly. Liverpool gradually gained control through the energy of Lewis Koumas, James McConnell, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.
Mac Allister Breaks the Deadlock
Liverpool took the lead after 21 minutes when Ngumoha attacked Udogie inside the penalty area and directed the ball towards Mac Allister.
The Argentina international opened his body before driving a powerful first-time finish into the top corner beyond Martin Dubravka.
Mac Allister’s strike punished Tottenham for failing to convert their earlier chances and changed the momentum of the match. Liverpool pressed more confidently, while the visitors became increasingly vulnerable when attempting to build from defence.
Koumas also caused problems through his work rate and aggressive pressing. Although he did not score, his movement repeatedly forced Tottenham’s defenders into hurried decisions.
Gakpo Doubles Liverpool’s Advantage
Liverpool extended their lead nine minutes after halftime following a patient attacking move involving Ngumoha, Milos Kerkez and Mac Allister.
Mac Allister found Gakpo inside the left channel of the penalty area. The Netherlands international moved inside Archie Gray before driving a precise finish across Dubravka and into the far corner.
Gakpo’s combination of composure and power gave Liverpool a valuable cushion. His goal also continued an encouraging start to the season during which his future had previously appeared uncertain.
Gallagher Ends Tottenham’s Goal Drought
Tottenham continued creating opportunities and were rewarded in the 69th minute. Mamardashvili misjudged Mateus Fernandes’ corner, allowing Gallagher to head into the net from close range.
The goal ended Tottenham’s 429-minute scoring drought against top-flight opposition and gave Roberto De Zerbi’s team renewed belief.
Spurs increased the pressure, but Mamardashvili responded impressively to his mistake. He made a fine reaction save to deny Omar Marmoush and finished the game with five stops.
Milos Kerkez also produced an important challenge to prevent Marmoush from obtaining a clear shooting opportunity inside the penalty area.
Szoboszlai Settles the Contest Spectacularly
Tottenham’s pressure ensured the outcome remained uncertain until stoppage time. Szoboszlai finally removed any doubt in the 91st minute.
After controlling Gakpo’s flick with his chest approximately 25 yards from goal, the Hungarian midfielder unleashed a swerving strike into the top corner beyond Dubravka.
The exceptional finish gave the scoreline a more comfortable appearance and produced the defining image of the contest. Iraola praised the quality and confidence required to attempt the shot from such a difficult position.
Liverpool vs Tottenham Match Statistics
Statistics are based on figures published by the ESPN match centre.
| Statistic | Liverpool | Tottenham |
| Possession | 44% | 56% |
| Expected goals | 1.53 | 2.34 |
| Total shots | 12 | 17 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 6 |
| Big chances | 2 | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 305 | 413 |
| Passing accuracy | 82% | 87% |
| Corners | 5 | 9 |
| Duels won | 47 | 61 |
| Saves | 5 | 2 |
| Fouls | 15 | 11 |
The statistics demonstrate why Tottenham may feel frustrated. Spurs recorded more possession, attempts, corners, accurate passes and expected goals, but Liverpool were considerably more clinical.
Liverpool scored with three of their five shots on target. Tottenham converted only one of six, while Mamardashvili’s saves prevented the visitors from capitalising on their stronger statistical output.
Lewis Koumas Named Player of the Match
Liverpool supporters selected Lewis Koumas as the club’s official Player of the Match.
Making only his second senior start, the forward led Liverpool’s press and provided the energy Iraola demanded from his rotated lineup. His relentless movement set the tone for the younger players around him.
The display strengthened Koumas’ case for further senior opportunities and demonstrated the value of Liverpool’s academy pathway.
Why the Result Matters to Ugandan Football Fans
Liverpool and Tottenham command passionate support across Uganda, making this Carabao Cup meeting more than an ordinary third-round fixture. Supporters following the game from Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara, Gulu and other parts of the country witnessed a contest that rewarded Liverpool’s clinical finishing despite Tottenham producing the stronger underlying statistics.
The performance of Lewis Koumas and Liverpool’s other young players also offers a relevant lesson for Ugandan football. Giving academy graduates meaningful opportunities alongside experienced professionals can accelerate development without sacrificing competitiveness.
For Ugandan Liverpool supporters, victory keeps alive the pursuit of a record-extending 11th League Cup title. Tottenham fans can take encouragement from Gallagher ending the scoring drought, although better finishing will be required. The result should fuel lively conversations among local supporters as both clubs turn their attention back to the Premier League.
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Verdict
Liverpool’s 3-1 victory was built on energy, finishing quality and valuable contributions from an extensively rotated squad. Mac Allister and Gakpo provided the initial control before Szoboszlai delivered an unforgettable conclusion.
Tottenham played positively and produced the stronger statistical performance, but their failure to convert clear opportunities proved decisive. Gallagher ended the scoring drought, yet Spurs lacked the ruthlessness required to complete their comeback.
Koumas and Liverpool’s other youngsters enhanced their reputations, while Iraola gained further evidence of his squad’s depth. Liverpool’s progress was deserved, although Tottenham’s superior expected-goals total provides both encouragement and another reminder of their costly finishing problems.
