Liverpool thrash Spurs as Cody Gakpo shines

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur lost 3-1 to Liverpool in their Carabao Cup match, with Conor Gallagher scoring Spurs' first goal against Premier League opponents this season but Liverpool ultimately securing victory through goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai. The result emphasized Liverpool's effective integration of young players and squad depth while spotlighting Tottenham's ongoing struggles to find consistency and score in league competition.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in their Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday, marking their first goal against Premier League opposition this season but ultimately falling short as Liverpool advanced. The match featured impressive performances from Liverpool’s younger players as well as key contributions from established stars.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made wholesale changes to his line-up, introducing ten new players including teenagers James McConnell, Trey Nyoni, and Lewis Koumas. The youth infusion brought renewed energy to the squad, a fact Iraola highlighted following the 0-0 draw against Fulham earlier in the season. Arsenal World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister praised the younger players, noting their dedication and importance to Liverpool’s campaign.

The opening stages were dominated by Tottenham, who created early chances including a notable effort from Lucas Bergvall, which was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, Liverpool gradually seized control and took the lead in the 21st minute. Cody Gakpo chest-controlled the ball and skillfully maneuvered across the pitch before finding Rio Ngumoha. A challenge from Destiny Udogie deflected the ball to Mac Allister, who curled a precise shot into the top corner to break the deadlock.

Tottenham pushed for an equalizer, with Mohammed Kudus forcing a save after an incisive cross from Udogie. However, Liverpool doubled their advantage shortly after the break when Mac Allister set up Gakpo for a composed finish from the edge of the box. The Dutch forward was a significant figure, having been a transfer target for Tottenham over the summer before Liverpool retained him.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi expressed mixed feelings after the match, acknowledging the team’s chance creation but maintaining optimism about future improvements. Asked about the team's ongoing struggles, De Zerbi pointed to the need for cohesion and belief in the playing style, despite Tottenham’s six-match winless streak that dates back to November 2024.

Conor Gallagher ended Tottenham’s goal drought with a header in the 69th minute from a corner delivered by substitute Mateus Fernandes, sparking a tense final phase of the match. Liverpool, however, quelled any hopes of a comeback when substitute Dominik Szoboszlai scored a powerful long-range goal deep into stoppage time. This strike effectively sealed Liverpool’s passage to the next round.

Despite Tottenham’s early promise and several opportunities, they were unable to overturn the deficit. Liverpool’s willingness to field a youthful side and their clinical finishing underlined the challenges facing Spurs as they continue to search for their first league goal of the season. The win further highlighted Liverpool’s depth and bench strength under Iraola’s management.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.