Full Breakdown
Liverpool Advance, Tottenham Exit in Carabao Cup Thriller
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On 15 September 2026 Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Anfield in the third-round Carabao Cup tie. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Cody Gakpo doubled the lead in the 54th, Conor Gallagher pulled one back for Spurs in the 69th, and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the win with a 90+1-minute long-range strike. Liverpool made ten changes from the Fulham draw, while Tottenham introduced eight new faces, including debutant goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Background & Context
The Carabao Cup enters at the third round for clubs involved in European competition, allowing heavy rotation. Liverpool, now led by Andoni Iraola, had drawn three of their first four Premier League games. Tottenham, under Roberto De Zerbi, entered winless in the league and had not scored in their opening four fixtures. Both sides were missing a combined eleven players through injury. De Zerbi confirmed striker Richarlison would not feature after a failed transfer and contract stalemate.
Data & Statistics
- Goals: Mac Allister (21´), Gakpo (54´), Szoboszlai (90+1´); Gallagher (69´).
- Shots: Tottenham 17, Liverpool 12.
- Key saves: Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Lucas Bergvall and Omar Marmoush.
- Line-up changes: Liverpool 10; Tottenham 8 (some reports cite ten).
Official Statements & Responses
De Zerbi stressed the need to maintain performance levels despite a “storm” of fixtures and said Richarlison’s omission was a club decision after contract talks collapsed.
Verbatim Quote
- “From Tottenham’s point of view, there were positives.” — Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of Tottenham changes: The Guardian notes eight alterations, while ESPN and the official Tottenham site mention ten. Descriptions of Szoboszlai’s strike also vary, with some calling it a “worldie” and others a “stunner.”
Why It Matters / Impact
Liverpool’s win moves them into the fourth round, supporting Iraola’s claim that squad depth can deliver in cup competitions despite a mixed league start. The result also restores confidence in midfielders Mac Allister and Gakpo. For Tottenham, the loss extends a winless run against top-flight opposition and heightens scrutiny on De Zerbi’s project amid a goal-scoring drought. The Richarlison saga highlights how contract negotiations can affect squad morale.
What’s Next
Liverpool will look to build momentum in their upcoming league clash with Bournemouth, while Tottenham travel to Aston Villa in the next Premier League round, hoping to break their winless streak. Both clubs will also prepare for further Carabao Cup fixtures as the competition progresses.