Liverpool 2-1 Southampton EFL Cup result: Hugo Ekitike scores the winner and is sent off as Alexander Isak nets first Reds goal at Anfield
ALEXANDER ISAK OFF THE MARK AS 10-MAN LIVERPOOL PROGRESS
Hugo Ekitike was sent off after netting a late winner as Alexander Isak scored his first goal for the club in Liverpool’s narrow 2-1 victory over Southampton in the third round of the EFL Cup.
The Frenchman came off the bench to tap home Federico Chiesa’s unselfish lay-off five minutes from time before earning a second yellow for taking off his shirt in celebration.
The Saints had threatened to take the tie to penalties when substitute Shea Charles capitalised upon an error from Wataru Endo to level on 76 minutes.
The night had been all about Isak up until that point as the Swedish striker marked a 45-minute cameo with a clinical strike just prior to the break following another cut back from Chiesa.
A much-changed Liverpool made hard work of progressing, but got the job done to maintain their bid for a record-extending 11th title in this competition.
Next up, Liverpool visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday with Ekitike suspended for that clash at Selhurst Park.
Southampton host Middlesbrough in the Championship.
GLEN JOHNSON REACTS TO LIVERPOOL’S NARROW CUP WIN
Speaking on ITV the former Reds defender said: “I think Southampton will be kicking themselves, with a bit more belief in the second half they could have done something tonight.”
He continued: “Liverpool weren’t at it at all today, but they’ve got that mentality (to win)…”
On the winning goal, he added: “These are the moments. The class of these passes that cuts defences open… Chiesa had no option but to put it on a plate. Ekiitke wasn’t going to mess it up from there.”
On the red card, he said: “It’s silly. I think he forgot about it (the first yellow card). He’ll be kicking himself, absolutely.”
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