Szoboszlai Stunner Sends Liverpool Past Tottenham in Carabao Cup
Liverpool moved into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, where substitute Dominik Szoboszlai capped the night with a long-range finish described as an outstanding strike.
Why the win matters for Liverpool
| Competition | Round | Result | Goalscorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carabao Cup | Third round | Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur | Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai; Conor Gallagher |
The result gave Liverpool a place in the next stage after a heavily changed side responded well following the weekend’s 0-0 draw with Fulham. Ten alterations were made for the visit of Spurs, with the selection intended to bring greater energy into the team.
Mac Allister and Gakpo had put Liverpool in control before Gallagher reduced Tottenham’s deficit. Szoboszlai, introduced from the bench, then settled the contest with a 30-yard effort that relieved the pressure around Anfield.
The Liverpool manager said each of the home side’s goals had been of a high standard, while stressing that the build-up to the first two strikes had also been significant. Szoboszlai’s finish, however, stood apart.
“The third one was a world-class goal,” he said. “With Dom, when he takes a shot, you feel there is a chance it will go in. From that distance, with many other players, you might think it is too far out. With him, people expect him to score.”
Young players meet the physical demand
The reshuffled Liverpool side included young players Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and James McConnell, all of whom were singled out for their work rate and competitiveness.
The manager said the changes had been necessary after Liverpool appeared short of energy against Fulham, and praised the fresh players for bringing intensity, aggression and a willingness to compete in duels.
Nyoni was suffering from cramp by the time he left the pitch, while Ngumoha and McConnell had also exhausted themselves. That, the manager said, showed that the younger members of the squad had given everything required in unfamiliar roles and under different demands.
Liverpool’s reward is progression to the Carabao Cup fourth round after a victory they felt was deserved over Tottenham.
