Ekitike wins it then sees red
Liverpool advanced with a 2:1 victory after Hugo Ekitike came on at half time, sealed the game from a Federico Chiesa cutback and was then dismissed for a second booking for removing his shirt. His first caution came for punching the ball away. The sending off rules him out of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Isak’s first goal and Slot’s verdict
Alexander Isak opened his Liverpool account on the stroke of half time, finishing after Chiesa intercepted Alex McCarthy’s pass inside the box. Arne Slot called Ekitike’s cautions needless and not smart and noted the suspension is far from ideal. Isak, replaced by Ekitike at the break, is building fitness and is set to be the only natural striker available at Selhurst Park.
Saints strike back before late drama
Southampton had threatened first, hitting the frame shortly before the opener. They levelled when Wataru Endo misjudged a defensive header from a corner and substitute Shea Charles poked in from close range. The hosts again found a late winner as their strong finish continued.
Form trends and team news
Southampton exited in the third round after six straight progressions and for the second season running were knocked out at Anfield. Liverpool maintained a perfect start after seven games, scoring a decisive goal in the final ten minutes for the sixth time. Liverpool made eleven changes from the derby win, debuting Giorgio Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni, with first starts of the season for Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni. Southampton made nine changes from their league defeat to Hull.
