Liverpool secured a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the League Cup on Tuesday, extending the north London club’s recent struggles. The match took place at Anfield under heavy rain, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai sealing the win for the hosts.
Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, are enduring a difficult start to the Premier League season, remaining winless in their opening four league matches with two draws and two losses. Their only victory this term came in the League Cup against Championship side Charlton. Despite investing over £300 million on 10 new players since last season, the club has yet to find consistent form, raising concerns about another potential relegation battle following consecutive near-misses in previous seasons.
Adding to Tottenham’s problems, striker Richarlison publicly expressed frustration after being left out of the matchday squad. The Brazilian forward has been seeking a move away from the club, though recent transfer attempts to Everton and Vasco Da Gama fell through. Tottenham will look to rebound in the league when they host Aston Villa on Saturday, a fixture that could be critical for De Zerbi’s tenure.
Liverpool, operating under new manager Andoni Iraola, remain unbeaten in all competitions during his brief reign, though they have only won once in four league matches. Iraola rotated his lineup significantly for the cup tie but the team quickly asserted control when Mac Allister scored from a well-constructed move in the 21st minute. Gakpo doubled the lead just after halftime with a precise shot into the far corner. Tottenham’s Conor Gallagher pulled a goal back in the 69th minute by capitalizing on defensive lapses, but Szoboszlai’s long-range effort in stoppage time restored Liverpool’s three-goal cushion.
Meanwhile, Arsenal made it six consecutive wins across all competitions with a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Teenage midfielder Max Dowman, making his first appearance of the season, impressed by scoring twice and assisting a third goal. Dowman, 16, is regarded by manager Mikel Arteta as a rising talent and has been gradually integrated into the first team.
Arsenal’s other goals came from Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino, while Ipswich replied through Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom late in the contest but were outmatched overall.
Elsewhere in the cup, Fulham claimed a 3-2 win over West Ham United, with Rodrigo Muniz, Cesar Palacios, and Oscar Bobb scoring for the visitors. Brentford edged past Reading 2-1, courtesy of strikes from Callum Wilson and Fabio Carvalho.
Further fixtures in the League Cup third round are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, including matches featuring Manchester United, Brighton, Aston Villa, Coventry, Everton, Wolves, Manchester City, and Norwich.