Liverpool F.C. secured a 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round, with Alexander Isak scoring his first goal for the Reds. Isak finished coolly in the 43rd minute after Federico Chiesa latched on to Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy's sloppy pass.

What happened?

The Reds were not at their best, and Shea Charles levelled on 76 minutes when Wataru Endo headed back towards his own goal. Ekitike, who had replaced Isak at half-time, put the hosts back in front when Chiesa set him up to slot home.

Why it matters for Liverpool F.C.

But Ekitike's celebration proved costly, as he took off his shirt and was shown red, leaving Liverpool to see out the final four minutes plus stoppage time with 10 men. Manager Arne Slot had made 11 changes to the side that beat Everton on Saturday, and this was a far-from-perfect performance from his young team.

What comes next?

Debutant defender Giovanni Leoni was taken off on a stretcher in the closing stages with a knee injury, and Slot said: 'If a player goes off like that it's not a good sign.' Liverpool F.C. have reached the final in three of the past four seasons, and it is that squad depth that they will need to lean on to do the same again. The Reds will face Crystal Palace on Saturday, with Ekitike suspended after his red card. | Date | Opponent | Score | | --- | --- | --- | | 23 September 2025 | Southampton | 2-1 | | 28 September 2025 | Crystal Palace | - | Isak will surely get another opportunity to impress at Selhurst Park on Saturday.