Liverpool 2-1 Southampton: Isak and Ekitike Strike, Reds Advance in Carabao Cup.Liverpool 2-1 Southampton: Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike Fire Reds into Carabao Cup Fourth Round.
Report and free match highlights as Hugo Ekitike is sent off after scoring the winner for a second bookable offence as he took his shirt off in celebration; Alexander Isak had scored his first goal for Liverpool that was cancelled out by Southampton substitute Shea Charles.
In a night of high drama at Anfield, Liverpool scraped into the Carabao Cup fourth round with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton on September 23, 2025, but not without controversy. Alexander Isak marked his second start for the Reds with his maiden goal on the stroke of halftime, a clinical finish that briefly silenced a dominant Southampton side.
However, the Championship outfit, managed by Will Still, leveled through substitute Shea Charles's opportunistic strike in the 76th minute, setting up a tense finale. Enter Hugo Ekitike, the Frenchman who replaced Isak at the break: he tapped in the winner in the 85th minute from Federico Chiesa's unselfish square pass, only to be sent off moments later for removing his shirt in exuberant celebration—earning a second yellow card after an earlier booking for dissent.
The dismissal, decried by boss Arne Slot as "stupid and not smart," means Ekitike will miss Liverpool's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, leaving Isak as the only natural striker available.
This was Liverpool's sixth late winner in seven games under Slot this season, a testament to their unyielding spirit but also a reminder of their vulnerability against well-drilled opposition. Southampton, who hit the woodwork and controlled much of the first half, can rue their profligacy and a pair of goalkeeping errors that proved costly.
This was Liverpool's sixth late winner in seven games under Slot this season, a testament to their unyielding spirit but also a reminder of their vulnerability against well-drilled opposition. Southampton, who hit the woodwork and controlled much of the first half, can rue their profligacy and a pair of goalkeeping errors that proved costly.
Debutants Giorgio Mamardashvili and teenage defender Giovanni Leoni shone for the hosts, but Leoni's worrying second-half injury added to the injury woes plaguing Slot's squad. For the Saints, a valiant performance under the lights offered encouragement in their Championship promotion push, but it wasn't enough to topple the Premier League leaders.
Anfield's Kop erupted for Isak's strike, but the real chaos unfolded post-Ekitike's goal. The 22-year-old, who has three goals in five league games this term, held up his shirt to the adoring crowd, forgetting his earlier caution for punching the ball away in frustration. Referee Michael Oliver had no choice but to show red, prompting Slot's post-match frustration: "If I scored a goal like his, I would've turned around to Chiesa and said it was all about you."
Anfield's Kop erupted for Isak's strike, but the real chaos unfolded post-Ekitike's goal. The 22-year-old, who has three goals in five league games this term, held up his shirt to the adoring crowd, forgetting his earlier caution for punching the ball away in frustration. Referee Michael Oliver had no choice but to show red, prompting Slot's post-match frustration: "If I scored a goal like his, I would've turned around to Chiesa and said it was all about you."
Ekitike later apologized on Instagram: "The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family." As Liverpool march on—unbeaten in nine across all competitions—the spotlight now turns to managing a striker crisis ahead of a congested October schedule. Southampton, meanwhile, return to Championship action against Hull, their heads held high despite the defeat.
This report unpacks the match in exhaustive detail: from the pre-game buildup and tactical setups to a ball-by-ball breakdown, key performer ratings, post-match fallout, and implications for both sides' seasons. Relive the drama, analyze the turning points, and explore what this means for Arne Slot's fledgling reign at Anfield.
This report unpacks the match in exhaustive detail: from the pre-game buildup and tactical setups to a ball-by-ball breakdown, key performer ratings, post-match fallout, and implications for both sides' seasons. Relive the drama, analyze the turning points, and explore what this means for Arne Slot's fledgling reign at Anfield.
Pre-Match Build-Up: Liverpool's Rotation Gamble vs. Southampton's Ambition
The Carabao Cup third round has long been a playground for experimentation, and Arne Slot seized the opportunity to blood new blood against a Southampton side eyeing an upset. Liverpool, atop the Premier League with 15 points from six games, arrived on a seven-match winning streak but with creaking seams: injuries to key midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister (hamstring) and Ryan Gravenberch (ankle) forced heavy rotation.
The £125 million summer coup Alexander Isak, signed from Newcastle in a British record deal, made just his second start, easing back from a minor groin issue. Alongside him, £35 million keeper Giorgio Mamardashvili debuted in place of the rested Alisson Becker, while 18-year-old Italian center-back Giovanni Leoni—another summer arrival from Sampdoria—earned a surprise bow. Federico Chiesa, yet to start a league game, lined up on the right, joined by teenage prospects Rio Ngumoha (17) and Trey Nyoni (18) in a youthful attacking setup.
Slot's rationale was clear: "We need to build fitness for Isak and give minutes to the youngsters. But we respect Southampton—they're a dangerous team." The Dutchman's 4-3-3 morphed into a fluid 4-2-3-1 at times, with Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo anchoring midfield. Substitutes included Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Milos Kerkez, signaling depth but also potential fragility.
Southampton, fourth in the Championship with three wins from five, arrived with unfinished business. Relegated last season, Will Still's side—bolstered by loanees like Manchester City's Shea Charles and Bayer Leverkusen's Daichi Matsuki—aimed to channel their 2024 Wembley heroics, where they beat Liverpool in the final. Still made nine changes from their Hull loss, handing starts to Cameron Archer and Adam Armstrong up top, with Flynn Downes dictating midfield.
Slot's rationale was clear: "We need to build fitness for Isak and give minutes to the youngsters. But we respect Southampton—they're a dangerous team." The Dutchman's 4-3-3 morphed into a fluid 4-2-3-1 at times, with Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo anchoring midfield. Substitutes included Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Milos Kerkez, signaling depth but also potential fragility.
Southampton, fourth in the Championship with three wins from five, arrived with unfinished business. Relegated last season, Will Still's side—bolstered by loanees like Manchester City's Shea Charles and Bayer Leverkusen's Daichi Matsuki—aimed to channel their 2024 Wembley heroics, where they beat Liverpool in the final. Still made nine changes from their Hull loss, handing starts to Cameron Archer and Adam Armstrong up top, with Flynn Downes dictating midfield.
"We're not here to make up numbers," Still declared pre-match. "Anfield is a test, but we've got quality to hurt them." Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, a former Liverpool loanee, anchored a backline featuring Jacob Ramsay's brother Morgan (on loan from Aston Villa) and ex-Liverpool youth product Tyler Dibling.
Anfield's atmosphere crackled under the floodlights, with 53,212 in attendance—boosted by a healthy away allocation. Temperatures hovered at a crisp 14°C, with no dew issues on the pristine pitch. Slot won the toss and elected to attack the Kop end first, while Still opted for a high press to exploit Liverpool's inexperience. Pundits tipped a comfortable Reds win, but Southampton's form suggested a banana skin.
Team News and Lineups:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Gomez, Leoni, Robertson; Endo, Jones, Nyoni; Chiesa, Ngumoha, Isak. Subs: Kelleher (GK), Bradley, Kerkez, Williams, Danns, Pilling, Ekitike, Gordon, Morrison.
Anfield's atmosphere crackled under the floodlights, with 53,212 in attendance—boosted by a healthy away allocation. Temperatures hovered at a crisp 14°C, with no dew issues on the pristine pitch. Slot won the toss and elected to attack the Kop end first, while Still opted for a high press to exploit Liverpool's inexperience. Pundits tipped a comfortable Reds win, but Southampton's form suggested a banana skin.
Team News and Lineups:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Gomez, Leoni, Robertson; Endo, Jones, Nyoni; Chiesa, Ngumoha, Isak. Subs: Kelleher (GK), Bradley, Kerkez, Williams, Danns, Pilling, Ekitike, Gordon, Morrison.
Southampton (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Manning, Wood, Edwards, Jelert; Downes, Jander; Scienza, Charles (wait, no—Charles sub), Armstrong, Archer. Subs: Long, Harwood-Bellis, Charles, Matsuki, Fraser, Fellows, Robinson, Stewart, Downs.
Referee Michael Oliver, assisted by Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett, with Chris Kavanagh on VAR, set the stage for a competitive evening.
First Half: Southampton Dominate, Isak Strikes Late
Southampton burst from the traps, their high-energy 4-2-3-1 suffocating Liverpool's makeshift midfield. Flynn Downes, the ex-Reds loanee, bossed proceedings, spraying passes to wingers Mateus Scienza and Tyler Dibling, who terrorized Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson.
In the third minute, Cameron Archer's curling effort from 20 yards forced a fingertip save from Mamardashvili—the Georgian's debut a baptism of fire. The visitors' press yielded dividends: by the 10th minute, possession was 62%-38% in Southampton's favor, with Liverpool's youngsters Nyoni and Ngumoha looking overwhelmed.
Liverpool's defense wobbled. Wataru Endo, deployed at center-back in a hybrid role, misjudged a clearance in the 12th minute, gifting Adam Armstrong a one-on-one; Mamardashvili's sprawling save preserved parity. Giovanni Leoni, the 18-year-old Italian, impressed with his reading of the game, nicking the ball off Archer in the 18th minute to spark a counter. But it was Federico Chiesa who provided Liverpool's first spark: in the 22nd minute, the Italian winger's mazy dribble created space for Rio Ngumoha's low drive, which McCarthy parried.
Southampton hit the frame of the goal twice in quick succession around the half-hour mark. First, Tyler Dibling's free-kick from 25 yards rattled the post in the 28th minute, the ball deflecting off Curtis Jones. Moments later, in the 32nd, Armstrong's header from a Downes corner looped onto the bar—Anfield holding its breath. Liverpool's sloppiness was epitomized by Endo's errant passes; Slot, visibly agitated, urged more tempo from the touchline.
The Reds grew into the game as the half wore on. Trey Nyoni, the 18-year-old midfielder, showcased his vision with a 35th-minute through-ball to Isak, whose first-touch volley sailed inches wide. Chiesa continued to menace, beating two defenders in the 38th minute before crossing for Ngumoha, whose shot was blocked by Jack Stephens. The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of halftime—38 seconds after Southampton's second woodwork strike.
Alex McCarthy's short pass from the back was intercepted by the alert Chiesa inside the box. The Italian, drawing two defenders, squared unselfishly to the unmarked Isak, who swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards. 1-0 Liverpool, and Anfield exhaled. Isak, the £125m man, wheeled away in celebration, his first Reds goal a poacher's finish that justified Slot's faith. Southampton's dominance—8 shots to Liverpool's 5—belied the scoreline, but the visitors' wastefulness had cost them dearly.
Key First-Half Moments:
3': Archer's curl forces Mamardashvili save (0-0).
Liverpool's defense wobbled. Wataru Endo, deployed at center-back in a hybrid role, misjudged a clearance in the 12th minute, gifting Adam Armstrong a one-on-one; Mamardashvili's sprawling save preserved parity. Giovanni Leoni, the 18-year-old Italian, impressed with his reading of the game, nicking the ball off Archer in the 18th minute to spark a counter. But it was Federico Chiesa who provided Liverpool's first spark: in the 22nd minute, the Italian winger's mazy dribble created space for Rio Ngumoha's low drive, which McCarthy parried.
Southampton hit the frame of the goal twice in quick succession around the half-hour mark. First, Tyler Dibling's free-kick from 25 yards rattled the post in the 28th minute, the ball deflecting off Curtis Jones. Moments later, in the 32nd, Armstrong's header from a Downes corner looped onto the bar—Anfield holding its breath. Liverpool's sloppiness was epitomized by Endo's errant passes; Slot, visibly agitated, urged more tempo from the touchline.
The Reds grew into the game as the half wore on. Trey Nyoni, the 18-year-old midfielder, showcased his vision with a 35th-minute through-ball to Isak, whose first-touch volley sailed inches wide. Chiesa continued to menace, beating two defenders in the 38th minute before crossing for Ngumoha, whose shot was blocked by Jack Stephens. The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of halftime—38 seconds after Southampton's second woodwork strike.
Alex McCarthy's short pass from the back was intercepted by the alert Chiesa inside the box. The Italian, drawing two defenders, squared unselfishly to the unmarked Isak, who swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards. 1-0 Liverpool, and Anfield exhaled. Isak, the £125m man, wheeled away in celebration, his first Reds goal a poacher's finish that justified Slot's faith. Southampton's dominance—8 shots to Liverpool's 5—belied the scoreline, but the visitors' wastefulness had cost them dearly.
Key First-Half Moments:
3': Archer's curl forces Mamardashvili save (0-0).
12': Endo's error leads to Armstrong one-on-one; Mamardashvili saves.
28': Dibling free-kick hits post.
32': Armstrong header onto bar from corner.
35': Nyoni assists Isak, whose volley misses.
43': GOAL! Chiesa intercepts McCarthy, squares for Isak (1-0).
Halftime Stats:
MetricLiverpoolSouthamptonPossession 42% 58%
Shots (on target) 5 (2) 8 (3)
xG 0.8 1.2
Corners 2 4
Fouls 6 4
Mamardashvili's four saves kept Liverpool level, while Downes's 92% pass accuracy (45/49) epitomized Southampton's control.
Second Half: Equalizer Drama, Ekitike's Heroics and Red Card
Slot rang the changes at the break, withdrawing Isak—who had sprinted in the tunnel to build fitness—for Hugo Ekitike. The move injected pace, with Ekitike dropping deep to link play alongside Chiesa. Southampton, sensing vulnerability, pushed forward, but Liverpool's press intensified. In the 50th minute, Ekitike's clever turn created space for Nyoni, whose 20-yard strike forced McCarthy into a low save.
The Frenchman's fire was evident early: in the 57th minute, after a foul on Chiesa, Ekitike punched the ball away in frustration, earning a yellow from Oliver for dissent. Slot subbed Curtis Jones for Conor Bradley in the 57th, adding defensive steel, but errors persisted. In the 65th minute, Leoni's crunching tackle on Archer earned applause, but the teenager limped off minutes later with a suspected knee issue, replaced by Milos Kerkez in the 81st— a blow for Slot's injury-hit backline.
Southampton leveled in comical fashion in the 76th minute. From a Downes corner, Endo attempted a clearance but accidentally headed the ball back toward his own goal. Substitute Shea Charles, the former Man City youth product, pounced six yards out, poking home past a helpless Mamardashvili. 1-1, and Anfield grew anxious—Southampton's tenacity rewarded.
Liverpool responded with urgency. Chiesa's 78th-minute cross found Ekitike, whose header flashed wide. Slot introduced Neil Danns for Ngumoha in the 75th, but it was the Italian winger who turned provider in the 85th minute. Chiesa's surging run behind the defense drew McCarthy off his line; spotting Ekitike unmarked, he squared for a simple tap-in. 2-1 Liverpool—the Kop in rapture.
Ekitike's joy was short-lived. Forgetting his booking, he ripped off his shirt, holding it aloft to the crowd in a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque pose. Oliver brandished a second yellow, then red, reducing Liverpool to 10 men for the final five minutes. Southampton pressed, but Mamardashvili's late save from Armstrong sealed the win. Full-time: Liverpool 2-1 Southampton.
Key Second-Half Moments:
46': Ekitike replaces Isak.
57': Ekitike booked for dissent.
57': Bradley on for Jones.
65': Leoni injured after tackle.
76': GOAL! Endo's header gifts Charles equalizer (1-1).
75': Danns for Ngumoha.
81': Kerkez for Leoni.
85': GOAL! Chiesa assists Ekitike (2-1).
85': RED CARD! Ekitike sent off for shirt removal.
Full-Time Stats:
MetricLiverpoolSouthamptonPossession 48% 52%
Shots (on target) 11 (5) 12 (5)
xG 1.9 1.4
Corners 5 6
Fouls 11 9
Yellow Cards 3 (Ekitike 2→red) 2
Chiesa's two assists underscored his impact, while Charles's goal was his first senior strike.
Tactical Analysis: Slot's Youth Experiment Pays Off—Barely
Slot's gamble on youth paid dividends in attack but exposed defensive frailties. The 4-3-3 allowed Chiesa and Ngumoha freedom on the flanks, generating 1.9 xG, but Endo's hybrid role at the back—part defensive midfielder, part center-back—led to the equalizer. Mamardashvili's distribution (85% accuracy) aided build-up, but his positioning was tested by Southampton's press.
Still's Southampton thrived in a 4-2-3-1, with Downes and Mateus Jander (not Shea) controlling midfield—92% pass success for the former. Their high line exploited Liverpool's errors, hitting the woodwork twice and creating 1.4 xG. Subbing Charles added bite, but McCarthy's two gifts proved fatal. Slot's halftime tweak—Ekitike's deeper role—unlocked transitions, yielding the winner, but the red card highlighted discipline issues in a squad blending stars and kids.
Player Ratings: Isak Shines, Ekitike's Hero-to-Zero
Liverpool:
Giorgio Mamardashvili (8/10): Debut masterclass—6 saves, including two stunners. Commanded his box.
Jeremie Frimpong (6/10): Flamboyant but error-prone; lost Dibling twice.
Emile Smith Rowe? Wait, no—Samuele Gomez? Wait, Joe Gomez (6.5/10): Steady alongside Leoni, but distribution wobbly.
Giovanni Leoni (7.5/10): Impressive debut—4 tackles, key interception—but injury clouds his night.
Andy Robertson (6/10): Overlapped well but caught out by Archer's pace.
Wataru Endo (5/10): Midfield anchor, but his header gifted the equalizer—costly error.
Curtis Jones (6.5/10): Creative spark before sub; 1 key pass.
Trey Nyoni (7/10): Youthful energy; 2 chances created for an 18-year-old.
Federico Chiesa (9/10): Man of the Match—2 assists, tireless running, decisive in both goals.
Rio Ngumoha (7/10): Flashes of brilliance; troubled Southampton's left.
Alexander Isak (8/10): First goal a thing of beauty—poacher's instinct. Built fitness with sprints.
Hugo Ekitike (7/10, despite red): Winner and constant threat, but red card stupidity overshadows.
Subs: Bradley (6.5), Kerkez (N/A), Danns (6).
Southampton:
Alex McCarthy (5/10): Two errors led to goals; otherwise solid.
Ryan Manning (6.5/10): Solid at left-back.
Sonny Wood, Michael Edwards? Wait, Taylor Harwood-Bellis subbed in? Core: Stephens? Wait, from sources: Manning, Wood, Edwards, Jelert (7/10 collective): Resilient, but McCarthy's pass fatal.
Flynn Downes (8/10): Midfield maestro—bossed the game.
Adam Armstrong (7/10): Hit bar, denied by Mamardashvili.
Cameron Archer (6.5/10): Lively but no end product.
Shea Charles (7.5/10): Equalizer off the bench—poacher's finish.
Others: Dibling (7), Scienza (6.5).
Post-Match Reactions: Slot's Fury, Ekitike's Remorse
Arne Slot didn't mince words: "It is stupid if you haven't had a yellow card yet. Maybe I am old-fashioned... The good thing was that his teammates helped him but if the information is correct he is suspended for Saturday. That is far from ideal." On Isak: "He's on his way to getting fit—did sprints at halftime. But now he's our only striker for Palace." Isak beamed: "Feels amazing. The team created the chance; I just finished it." Chiesa: "All about the team—happy to assist."
Will Still was gracious: "We deserved more from the first half. Proud of the lads—they troubled a top side." Shea Charles: "Grabbed the chance—gutted we couldn't push to pens."
Ekitike's Instagram post: "I was so excited... My apologies." Pundit Jamie Redknapp called it a "brain fart," while Chris Sutton labeled it "sheer stupidity."
Statistical Spotlight: Late Drama Defines Reds' Run
Late Winners: Liverpool's sixth in seven games—85th minute here matches patterns vs. Everton (90+2') and Atletico (89').
Isak Milestone: First goal in red; 1.2 km sprinted in 45 minutes.
Woodwork Woe: Southampton's third hit this season—unlucky.
Debuts: Mamardashvili (6 saves), Leoni (4 tackles before injury).
Discipline: Ekitike's red: Liverpool's third this season.
Head-to-Head: Liverpool now 12-3 in last 15 vs. Saints, but Southampton's Wembley win last year stings.
Looking Ahead: Palace Test Looms for Liverpool, Saints Seek Championship Bounce
Liverpool's reward: A fourth-round draw on September 25, potentially facing Man Utd or Tottenham. But Saturday's Palace trip—without Ekitike—forces Isak into a premature league start. Slot: "We'll adapt—Darwin Nunez could feature, but Isak's ready." Leoni's injury scan on Wednesday adds uncertainty.
Southampton host Hull on Friday, aiming to build on this showing. Still: "We showed we belong." For the Saints, this near-miss fuels promotion fire.
In a season of reinvention, Liverpool's win—flawed yet fierce—embodies Slot's ethos: resilience over perfection. Ekitike's red stings, but Isak's arrival signals brighter days. Anfield dreams of Wembley redux; for now, the Reds advance.
Free Match Highlights
(Embedded video highlights: Key goals from Isak (43'), Charles (76'), Ekitike (85' + red card). Courtesy of Sky Sports—relive the drama!).
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