Tottenham’s rocky season took another hit as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup, beaten by a Liverpool side stripped of most of its regular starters. Despite the setback, Roberto de Zerbi’s men could take some comfort in finally finding the net against top flight opposition, something they had failed to do across four league outings.
Andoni Iraola shuffled his pack dramatically, handing ten fresh faces a chance, with only Ronald Araujo surviving from the side held to a scoreless draw against Fulham. Joe Gomez wore the armband for his season debut. Across the pitch, De Zerbi rotated eight players, while former Red Andy Robertson watched from the bench, set for an emotional homecoming to Anfield.
Georgi Mamardashvili produced a stunning stop to deny Lucas Bergvall early on, before Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock just past the twenty minute mark with a crisp finish into the top corner. Mohammed Kudus spurned a golden chance to level before the break, and Liverpool made him pay when Cody Gakpo tucked away a slick team move after the interval.
Conor Gallagher briefly rekindled hope for the visitors, converting from a corner to net Tottenham’s first goal against Premier League opposition this term. Mamardashvili denied Omar Marmoush moments later, and Savio dragged a effort wide, before Dominik Szoboszlai settled matters with a thumping strike from distance in stoppage time.
Iraola praised the energy his fringe players brought, singling out the contributions of youngsters thrust into the spotlight. For Tottenham, the frustration lies in profligacy rather than performance, having dominated possession and territory yet lacking a killer touch. With three defeats already this campaign, De Zerbi’s side face mounting pressure ahead of their weekend clash with Aston Villa.
