Tottenham’s difficult opening to the season took another hit as Liverpool knocked them out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win at Anfield.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side did at least end one unwanted run by scoring their first goal of the campaign against Premier League opposition, but it was not enough to stop a much-changed Liverpool team from booking a place in the fourth round.
Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were on target for Andoni Iraola’s side, while Conor Gallagher briefly gave Spurs hope in the second half.
Both managers rotated heavily for the tie. Liverpool made 10 changes from the team that drew 0-0 with Fulham, with Ronald Araujo the only player keeping his place. Joe Gomez captained the hosts on his first appearance of the season.
Tottenham also reshuffled, making eight changes from their goalless draw with Everton. Former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson started on the bench on his first return to Anfield since leaving the club in the summer.
Spurs had an early opportunity to take the lead when Lucas Bergvall tested Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the Liverpool goalkeeper produced a strong save.
Liverpool then moved ahead in the 21st minute. The ball fell kindly to Mac Allister on the edge of the penalty area and the midfielder guided a composed finish into the top corner.
Tottenham wasted a major chance to respond when Mohammed Kudus fired over from close range, and that miss proved costly.
Liverpool doubled their advantage after the interval as Gakpo completed a slick attacking move, finishing from Mac Allister’s assist to put the home side firmly in control.
Robertson was introduced soon afterwards and received a warm reception from the Anfield crowd on his return to his former club.
Tottenham finally found a way through in the 69th minute. Gallagher converted from Mateus Fernandes’ corner to make it 2-1 and register Spurs’ first goal against top-flight opposition this season. It was also their first goal in any competition since their previous Carabao Cup round on August 26.
The visitors then had opportunities to force extra time. Mamardashvili produced another important stop to deny Omar Marmoush, while Savio sent another effort wide from inside the area.
Liverpool ended the contest in stoppage time when Szoboszlai controlled the ball outside the box before unleashing a powerful 25-yard strike into the net.
The result adds further pressure to Tottenham’s early-season form. Spurs have now lost three of their first six matches in all competitions, with their only victory coming against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool, meanwhile, move into the fourth round after successfully navigating the tie despite making sweeping changes to their starting lineup.