Liverpool Beat Tottenham as Robertson Receives Emotional Anfield Ovation

Andy Robertson received a warm Anfield farewell on Tuesday night as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in the Carabao Cup third round, progressing while extending their unbeaten start under Andoni Iraola. The Scotland left-back, now with Spurs after leaving Liverpool as a free agent in the summer, was given a standing ovation when he entered the match in the 57th minute.

What changed for the club

Robertson’s appearance was his first at Anfield since ending a nine-year Liverpool career that brought eight major trophies. Milos Kerkez had taken over the starting role at left-back before Robertson’s departure, and the 32-year-old has since joined Tottenham, where Roberto De Zerbi is in charge.

Named among the visiting substitutes, Robertson replaced Destiny Udogie shortly before the hour. Supporters in every stand rose to applaud him, with the old songs from his Liverpool spell quickly returning around the stadium.

His Liverpool record includes two Premier League titles and the 2019 Champions League, with the reception reflecting his contribution during one of the club’s most successful modern periods.

Competition context

Liverpool made 10 alterations to their starting side for the cup tie, with Joe Gomez wearing the captain’s armband. Despite the extensive rotation, the home side controlled the contest and created the stronger attacking moments.

Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead before half-time with a powerful first-time finish. Cody Gakpo increased the lead after the break, before Conor Gallagher gave Tottenham a route back into the game by heading home from a corner.

Spurs could not find an equaliser, however, and substitute Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to secure a 3-1 win. Liverpool’s performance ensured safe passage into the next stage of the Carabao Cup, with returning players and younger squad members also receiving useful minutes.

The result keeps Iraola’s Liverpool unbeaten since the new head coach took charge.

What is scheduled next

• Liverpool return to Premier League duty with an away match at Bournemouth this weekend.
• Tottenham are due back at Anfield on December 19.
• Liverpool will learn their next Carabao Cup opponent in the forthcoming round of the competition.