Spurs finally score... but still lose
Spurs finally score... but still lose
Dominic King Wed, September 16, 2026 at 7:20 AM UTC
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It was Dominik Szoboszlaiâs worldie in the dying moments that finally killed off Spurs - Reuters/Scott Heppell
They scored. Would you believe it? Tottenham Hotspur, the team with more zeroes than an England Ashes batting collapse, found the back of the net but still frustration persists for Roberto De Zerbi.
It could have been something different. The sight of the Italian dashing down the touchline in hailstones, grabbing his head in disbelief in the final seconds, showed this was not a straightforward tale of misery but, ultimately, the misery endures.
Roberto De Zerbiâs Tottenham have won once, against Charlton in the League Cup, and lost three and drawn two so far this season - Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole
âI think this is five or six games we have been for sure not lucky,â De Zerbi lamented, but sympathy did not extend too far. Liverpool deservedly moved into the next round of the Carabao Cup, the gloss on Andoni Iraolaâs most enjoyable night provided by Dominik Szoboszlaiâs goal-of-the-season contender.
Liverpool were abject against Fulham on Saturday but with 10 changes to the starting line-up, infused with the exuberance of novices Rio Ngumoha and the terrific Lewis Koumas, Iraolaâs team were invigorated and only a lapse of concentration enabled Tottenham to make a fist of it.Yes, they went down swinging, as their noisy fans demanded. But carelessness cannot be excused and while De Zerbi complained about bad luck, a bad miss from Lucas Bergvall in the 10th minute was the fork in the road for the tie. Tottenham stalled and Liverpool never looked back.
âWe have to shoot more times and we have to shoot better,â De Zerbi harrumphed. âWe have to finish better the clear situations. We are sorry for the result, disappointed and frustrated. I think it was unfair but we have to be stronger in these unlucky moments.â
Rather than fizzing his drive into the net, Bergvall succeeded only in firing straight at Giorgi Mamardashvili, when he had the whole target in front of him. It was, in all fairness, a brilliant save but he should never have been allowed to make it.
The miss changed the atmosphere, as suddenly Liverpool grasped the need to be competitive. At the heart of it all were Ngumoha, James McConnell, Trey Nyoni and Koumas, the last-named a nuisance to Tottenhamâs defenders in the way a wasp is to picnickers on a summerâs afternoon.
For all the money that has been lavished by this club over the past 14 months, the one thing that the locals buy into more than anything is the basics done properly: hard work, tackling, a refusal to take second best. Iraola did not want Koumas to go anywhere this summer and it was obvious why.âI see him training every day,â said Iraola. âHe knows very clearly what he needs to do, what the team needs. And also the energy he shows is contagious for the rest. When you see the runs upfront, giving everything, you are kind of forced to go behind and use the same intensity levels.â
Lewis Koumas put in an assured performance - Getty Images
Simple tenacity enabled Liverpool to get back on an even keel and laid the foundation for them to take the lead. It was a terrific goal, started with a raking pass from Joe Gomez that Cody Gakpo controlled instantly on his chest before scuttling inside and inviting Ngumoha to charge forward.Whether it was the winger or Destiny Udogie, who was sliding to make a challenge, that ended up playing the ball to Mac Allister is immaterial, all that mattered is that the Argentine effortlessly placed his shot into the top corner, leaving Martin Dubravka planted and helpless.
Is Mac Allister playing with a point to prove? Possibly, given his comments about not being offered a new contract last week. Will Iraola be bothered? Not in the slightest. All he wants is top players at the top of their game and Mac Allister is climbing towards the levels he showed two years ago.What De Zerbi would do to have a player in such form, but Tottenham are a skittish bunch, not the type of team who respond well in the face of adversity and their head coach, dressed in black with his oversized white trainers, regularly shook his head in exasperation.His mood was not helped just before the interval, when Mohammed Kudus blasted over from eight yards following a zipped-in cross from Udogie, but he would not have called it truthfully if had suggested Tottenham deserved parity at that stage. Soon Liverpoolâs advantage would be doubled.The buffer they sought arrived in the 55th minute and, again, it was another genuinely attractive goal, with possession being kept until it sped up when Ngumoha scurried forward, found Milos Kerkez, who played it to Mac Allister, who in turn gave Gakpo the opening he craved.His touch was excellent, his finish was even better and away in the distance Iraola rattled his fists in delight. Thatâs two goals and four assists to start the campaign for the Dutchman and yet Liverpool were ready to sell him to Manchester City two weeks ago. What on earth were they thinking?
From that point, it seemed inconceivable Liverpool would finish living on their nerves but De Zerbiâs decision to introduce Andy Robertson â given a heroâs reception on his first return to Anfield â and Mateus Fernandes wrestled back some impetus. There was also a significant helping hand.
Mamardashvili had made some important saves, including one from Kudus that he celebrated on his own, but he is vulnerable at set-pieces and Fernandesâs looping corner gave Conor Gallagher the easiest headed opportunity in three years to change the dynamic.
âWe were under pressure at the end but I donât think we were nervous,â Gakpo pointed out.He was right. Try as they might, Spurs could not quite get the opening they needed and as they chased in vain, Szoboszlai administered the final blow in mesmerising fashion, thrashing a bouncing ball into the Kop net from 30 yards. And as De Zerbi realised in the sodden conditions, with Tottenham it never rains. It only pours.
10:28pm
Szoboszlaiâs screamer
10:23pm
Post-match thoughts of Andoni Iraola
10:21pm
Cody Gakpo speaking to ITV
10:20pm
Conor Coady on Lewis Koumas
10:18pm
Tottenhamâs next five matches (all Premier League)
September 19: Tottenham vs Aston VillaOctober 10: Manchester United vs TottenhamOctober 19: Tottenham vs CoventryOctober 24: Chelsea vs TottenhamOctober 31: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
Tottenhamâs sole focus now for the next few months will just be on the Premier League - Michael Regan/Getty Images
10:15pm
View from inside the Liverpool camp
10:14pm
Catching up with old friends and colleagues
Andoni Iraola was Marcos Senesiâs boss at Bournemouth last season - Peter Byrne/PA
Andrew Robertson returned to Anfield for the first time tonight - Peter Byrne/PA
10:11pm
Post-match thoughts of Alexis Mac Allister
10:10pm
Liverpoolâs next five games
September 20: Bournemouth vs Liverpool (Premier League)October 11: Liverpool vs Manchester City (Premier League)October 14: LASK vs Liverpool (Champions League)October 17: Brentford vs Liverpool (Premier League)October 20: Liverpool vs Villarreal (Champions League)
Liverpool into the hat for round four - Peter Byrne/PA
10:07pm
Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports
âFrom Tottenhamâs point of view, there were positives. They had a sharpness to their game. [Lucas] Bergvall did well. There is lots to look forward to for the weekend. It was a better performance. On another day, they could have had two or three goals. Liverpool just had enough.â
10:05pm
Tonightâs third-round ties
Peterborough 3 Barnsley 3 (Peterborough won 7-6 on penalties)West Ham 2 Fulham 3Ipswich 2 Arsenal 4Liverpool 3 Tottenham 1Reading 1 Brentford 2
10:03pm
Szoboszlaiâs screamer
The moment he struck it:
Dominik Szoboszlai loves scoring a screamer - Peter Byrne/PA
Moments after the ball thumped into the back of the net:
Dominik Szoboszlaiâs goal was one of three stunners Liverpool scored tonight - Peter Byrne/PA
10:01pm
FT stats
Possession: Liverpool 44%-56% TottenhamShots: 12-17Shots on target: 5-6Corners: 5-9Touches in opposition box: 22-27
09:58pm
Serenaded again
Andrew Robertson received a great reception from the Anfield crowd whilst warming up, when he came on and now at full-time. He catches up with old teammates as he heads off in the pouring rain, applauding the Liverpool fans.
A great reception all night from the Liverpool fans for their former player Andrew Robertson - Peter Byrne/PA
09:54pm
Full time
There is the final whistle at Anfield and Liverpool book their place in the fourth round of the League Cup courtesy of a 3-1 win over Tottenham. Andoni Iraolaâs side scored three stunning goals to seal their progression.
09:53pm
90+3 mins: Liverpool 3 Tottenham 1
Mamardashvili does well to save from a deflection, like he did a few minutes ago. Mamardashvili did not cover himself in glory for Tottenhamâs goal but has made some great saves tonight.
09:50pmKey moments ⢠Goals ⢠Video
GOAL! Szoboszlai screamer seals it
Oh my word! The Hungarian loves a screamer and this is another to add to the list. It is similar to a goal Suarez scored at The Kop End against Norwich a number of years ago. Szoboszlai chests it down and from nearly 30 yards out smashes across the ball. The ball flies into to the top corner, always going away from Dubravka, and Szoboszlai celebrates in front of The Kop. A quite incredible goal.
09:50pm
90 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
There will be four added minutes at Anfield.
09:48pm
89 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Savio has an effort from the right side of the box but drags his shot wide of the far post.
09:47pm
87 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Liverpool counter with Mamardashviliâs long ball forward for Isak, who gets the better of Gray on the left side of the box. Isak gets his shot away and the ball appeared to hit Tosinâs arm but the penalty is not given. Replays show it did hit Tosinâs arm and he is lucky there is not VAR tonight as that could well have been overturned.
09:46pm
86 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Isak is on in place of Koumas.
09:45pm
85 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Solanke is on for Tottenham in place of Tel as the visitors have a corner out on the right. Tottenham take it short before the delivery is swung in and headed away by Gakpo as the rain comes thrashing down again at Anfield.
Tottenham keep it alive and Marmoush has an effort from the left side of the box. It deflects off Araujo and Mamardashvili makes a stunning save.
09:42pm
83 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Szoboszlai should bury a guilt-edge chance inside the Tottenham penalty area but his effort is saved. There was a suspicion of offside against Szoboszlai but the flag did not go up. Szoboszlai was being played onside by quite some way by Gray so a huge missed opportunity.
09:42pm
82 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
That is superb one-vs-one defending from Jacquet. The ball is played down the left channel but Jacquet gets the better of Marmoush.
09:40pm
80 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Into the final 10 minutes we go at Anfield.
09:37pm
77 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Liverpool are under pressure at the moment as Tottenham attack the Anfield Road End, where the travelling Spurs supporters are housed. Mamardashvili is again unconvincing when dealing with a corner into the box.
09:34pm
75 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Double change for Tottenham as Savio and Maddison replace Kudus and Gallagher.
09:34pm
74 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
That is a stupid challenge from Kerkez, who is booked for a silly foul on Gallagher. Kerkez was asking for a booking for that challenge and referee Andy Madley obliges.
09:31pm
71 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 1
Change for Liverpool as Barcola replaces Ngumoha.
09:28pmKey moments ⢠Goals ⢠Video
GOAL! Gallagher gets one back for Tottenham
The visitors take advantage of very poor keeping from Mamardashvili. Fernandesâ delivery should be dealt with by Mamardashvili but the Georgian keeper flaps at empty air. It comes to Gallagher, who has a simple header from just a few yards out. A lifeline for Tottenham, who have their first goal this season against Premier League opposition.
09:28pm
68 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 0
Tottenham have had some decent chances tonight. The latest comes for Gallagher just inside the Liverpool box but his effort takes a deflection off Kerkez and goes behind for a corner...
09:23pm
63 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 0
That is a crucial challenge from Kerkez inside his own box. Marmoush looked like he was going to have a great opportunity from 10 yards out in the centre of Liverpoolâs penalty area but Kerkez intervenes with a superbly-timed challenge to deny the Egyptian.
09:21pm
62 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 0
Double change for Liverpool as Szoboszlai and Gravenberch replace Nyoni and McConnell in the centre of Liverpoolâs midfield.
09:21pm
61 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 0
Mamardashvili makes an important save. Marmoush carries the ball a long way down Tottenhamâs left before cutting inside. As he gets to the Liverpool box, he plays the ball across to his right to find Kudus, whose first-time effort is saved well by Mamardashvili down to his left.
09:17pmKey moments ⢠Video
57 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 0
Robertson is going to come on for Tottenham against his former side and receives a great reception from the Liverpool fans, similarly to the reception Ray Clemence received all those years ago:
Fernandes is also on for the visitors.
09:15pm
55 mins: Liverpool 2 Tottenham 0
Tosin decides to shoot from range but drags his effort wide of Mamardashviliâs right post.
09:13pmKey moments ⢠Goals ⢠Video
GOAL! Gakpo smashes in Liverpoolâs second
The home side double their lead at The Kop end. Kerkez perhaps should shoot from the edge of the box but instead lays it back to Mac Allister. The Argentine then plays it to his left to find Gakpo, who cuts inside onto his right and fires into the far corner. This now his tenth goal in 13 League Cup appearances.
09:10pm
50 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
No chances to speak of in the early stages of this second half.
09:04pm
Second half
We are back under way at Anfield. Liverpool have made a change at the break with Jacquet coming on for Gomez. This was Gomezâs first game back after injury.
08:58pm
Tonightâs third-round ties
Peterborough 2 Barnsley 2 (72â)West Ham 2 Fulham 2 (54â)Ipswich 0 Arsenal 2 HTLiverpool 1 Tottenham 0 HTReading 0 Brentford 2 HT
08:56pm
HT stats
Possession: Liverpool 47%-53% TottenhamShots: 6-6Shots on target: 2-1Corners: 3-2Touches in opposition box: 10-8
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Tottenham did have two big chances through Bergvall and Kudus and there are arguments to say both of them should have scored.
08:50pm
Half-time
Mac Allister takes but his effort is off target. That is indeed the final moment of the half and Liverpool take a 1-0 lead into the break courtesy of that fine Mac Allister strike.
08:49pm
45+2 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
We are past the two initial minutes added on but that is because of the delay when Senesi was given a talking-to moments ago. That allows Liverpool to win a free-kick not far outside the Tottenham box and Bentancur is booked for the foul on Gakpo.
This will be the final moment of the half.
08:47pm
45+1 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
Senesi absolutely clatters into McConnell but somehow escapes without a booking. There have been a number of soft yellows in this first yet one of the most blatant yellows is not given as a booking.
08:45pm
45 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
There will be two added minutes at the end of this first half.
08:42pm
41 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
Marmoush is the first Tottenham player booked tonight for a foul on McConnell and that feels on the harsh side. Definitely a foul but was it a yellow?
08:41pm
40 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
That is a dreadful decision from referee Andy Madley. Frimpong gets the better of Tel in a contest down Tottenhamâs left, with the former outmuscling the latter. Not only is Frimpong penalised, he is booked.
08:40pm
39 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
Mac Allister spurns a glorious chance to get his and Liverpoolâs second of the night. Tottenham again risk it at the back and lose it. McConnell then feeds a pass into the box to pick out the run of Koumas, who squares it for Mac Allister. The Argentine cannot get his feet sorted in time and wastes the opportunity from eight yards out.
08:37pm
36 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
Liverpool want a penalty. Tottenham give it away cheaply inside their own box and McConnell goes down under a challenge from Senesi, who was the one who gave it away. It was a clumsy challenge from Senesi and if VAR was in action tonight it would have been interesting to see what they would have done with that as Senesi did barge into the back of McConnell.
Araujo is then booked for pulling Marmoush back.
08:36pmAnalysis
35 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
There is no way Tottenhamâs goal drought will last in perpetuity but they have missed two fabulous chances so far and you wonder what impact that will have on their confidence. At least one Tottenham player is being feted: Andy Robertson, who has just jogged down the touchline at Anfield in a different kit for the first time in nine years. He tried not to acknowledge the singing of his name too much but you could see it meant something to him.
08:34pm
33 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
The home fans serenade their former player Robertson as the now Tottenham left-back goes out to warm up.
08:33pmVideo
32 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
That is a big chance for Kudus to equalise on the counter. Tottenham break from deep inside their own half and charge down their left. Bergvall waits for Udogie to come on the overlap before playing the pass. From the left side of the box, Udogie crosses for Kudus, who gets across the front of Kerkez. Kudus should probably score but lifts his effort over the bar from just six yards out.
08:28pm
27 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
Gomez gives the ball away cheaply inside his own half before McConnell is penalised for a foul on Marmoush. Will Tottenham cross it or take the shot on from around 25 yards out? The answer is the latter and Marmoush goes for goal but misses the target.
08:27pm
26 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
That was a chance for Udogie. Senesi clips in a lovely ball over the top in behind to pick out the run from left-back of Udogie, who tries to chest it down but cannot keep it under control. Had he done so, it would have been a great chance.
08:25pmAnalysis
25 mins: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0
The way Alexis Mac Allister has played this past fortnight, anyone would think he is trying to secure himself a new contract. All cynicism aside, that was a quite beautiful goal and attention must be drawn to Cody Gakpoâs involvement: he took a pass on his chest from Joe Gomez before opening up the pitch. We will say it again: the idea of selling Gakpo in the last window was madness.
08:21pmKey moments ⢠Goals ⢠Video
GOAL! Mac Allister fires Liverpool in front
He scored a stunner nearly a week ago against Atletico Madrid here in the Champions League and he adds another storming strike to his repertoire. The ball finds kindly to Mac Allister on the edge of the box after Udogie tackled Ngumoha and the Argentine finds the top corner with a first-time finish.
08:16pmVideo
16 mins: Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0
Koumas comes close to putting Liverpool in front with their first real chance of the game. Ngumoha slides a clinical pass into the box to pick out the run in behind of Koumas, who gets the better of Senesi. Koumas takes a great first touch before getting his shot away but is denied by Dubravka. Both goalkeepers have now been forced into good saves early doors.
08:15pmAnalysis
15 mins: Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0
Given their team has been bang average this season, the huge number of travelling Spurs fans are making a magnificent noise. They could have celebrated a long-overdue goal had it not been for a magnificent save by Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian needed to make it from Lucas Bergvall, as a minute beforehand he dithered while Joe Gomez was shepherding a ball back to him and those on the Kop lost their minds. Itâs tense amongst Liverpool supporters. You wonder how it changes.
08:12pmVideo
11 mins: Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0
That is a fantastic save from Mamardashvili. Gallagher plays the ball to Udogie on the left side of the box and the latter squares it to Bergvall in the centre of the box. Bergvall is no more than eight yards out and must think he is going to score but Mamardashvili makes a great save to deny the Swede. Should Bergvall have given Mamardashvili the chance to save it? Maybe not.
08:11pm
10 mins: Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0
Tottenham are dominating possession thus far, with a lot of the game being played in Liverpoolâs half at the moment.
08:08pm
7 mins: Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0
The heavens have well and truly opened at Anfield, with the rain heaving down.
Tottenham win a corner off Gomez out on the right. Kudus clips in an inswinger that Araujo heads away.
08:04pm
3 mins: Liverpool 0 Tottenham 0
Gakpo is starting out on the left for Liverpool tonight, with Ngumoha on the right and Koumas leading the line down the centre. Gakpo was linked with a move to Tottenham and Manchester City over the summer but stayed at Liverpool.
Tottenham have a free-kick not far outside the Liverpool penalty area on the right as Kerkez is penalised for blocking Gallagherâs cross with his arm. Kudusâ delivery is headed away by Araujo.
Kudus keeps it alive and sends in another cross that ends up in Mamardashviliâs arms.
08:00pm
Kick-off
We are under way at Anfield, with a place in the fourth round at stake.
A reminder, there is no extra time so it the game is all square after 90 minutes we will go straight to penalties. Also, there is no VAR tonight.
07:57pm
Nearly ready for action
Both sides emerge from the tunnel and we are moments away from kick-off at Anfield. In Virgil van Dijkâs absence, Joe Gomez captains Liverpool tonight. Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up this evening:
Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Araujo, Gomez, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Nyoni, McConnell, Ngumoha, Koumas, Gakpo.Substitutes: Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Munoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers.
Tottenham: Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Gallagher, Tel; Marmoush.Substitutes: Kinsky, Robertson, Van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Davies, Van de Ven.
07:52pm
Jamie Redknapp on Andoni Iraola
07:50pm
Robbie Fowler on ITV
07:46pm
Pre-match thoughts of Andoni Iraola
07:42pm
Gearing up
07:39pm
Back on familiar turf
Andrew Robertson played nearly 400 games for Liverpool and won countless trophies with the club, including two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League. Upon his return to Anfield, he starts on the bench against his former employers.
Andrew Robertson is on the bench for Tottenham tonight - Michael Regan/Getty Images
07:32pm
French artist in attendance
Djaksparo is a rising musician from Paris who who gained viral fame following a social media boost from Liverpoolâs summer signing Bradley Barcola, who is on the bench for the hosts this evening.
07:26pm
Pre-match thoughts of Roberto De Zerbi
07:21pm
Richarlison left out
07:17pm
Jamie Redknapp on Tottenham
âThere is no joy watching Spurs at the moment. Last year was a survival job, but now you have got to flip it. [Roberto] De Zerbiâs got a lot of players at his disposal.
âHe has got to fit that jigsaw puzzle together. There are still a lot of elements that are not right; they have not got a left-sided player they can trust in. Goals have been a real problem, but I do think they will come.â
07:13pm
Iraolaâs League Cup record
During the Spaniardâs three seasons at the helm at Bournemouth, he never made it past the fourth round in this competition. He reached the fourth round in his first season at Bournemouth during the 2023/24 season but in the last two seasons has fallen in the second round, which was the round Bournemouth entered the competition.
07:08pm
Team news in full
Just one player remains from Liverpoolâs starting XI against Fulham on Saturday and that is Ronald Araujo. Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz are given the night off for the home side.
Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Araujo, Gomez, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Nyoni, McConnell, Ngumoha, Koumas, Gakpo.Substitutes: Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Munoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers.
Roberto De Zerbi makes eight changes from Tottenhamâs draw against Everton, with Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur and Omar Marmoush the three players to remain in the starting XI.
Tottenham: Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Gallagher, Tel; Marmoush.Substitutes: Kinsky, Robertson, Van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Davies, Van de Ven.
07:04pm
Hosts arriving
06:59pm
Matt Law: What Roberto De Zerbi is doing to end Tottenhamâs goal drought
Tottenham Hotspur did not pay Roberto De Zerbi, their head coach, a survival bonus for keeping the club in the Premier League and now Spurs are saving a fortune on goal bonuses.
De Zerbiâs team are yet to score against Premier League opposition this season and face Liverpool in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Tuesday night.
It is understood that De Zerbiâs lucrative contract did not include a survival bonus for avoiding relegation last season, but he must wish his forwards were cashing in on their goal bonuses.
06:54pm
Tonightâs third-round ties
Peterborough vs Barnsley 7.30pmWest Ham vs Fulham 7.45pmIpswich vs Arsenal 8pmLiverpool vs Tottenham 8pmReading vs Brentford 8pm
06:47pm
Tottenham team
06:45pm
Liverpool team
06:43pmKey moments
Who will be victorious in all-Premier League encounter?
A place in the League Cup fourth round is at stake at Anfield as Liverpool host Tottenham in an all-Premier League tie.
Liverpool were frustrated on the weekend, being held to a 0-0 draw at home against Fulham, meaning they have one win and three draws from their opening four league games.
âI am very happy with the squad,â Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said. âI value a lot my players, if we win games, the squad will look amazing and fantastic, if we do not there is going to be a problem with the depth. I think we will see also tomorrow [tonight] players we have not seen still and I am really looking forward to seeing. I feel they are going to play well and help us and they still have not had their chance. You can decide and put the same players in every game. The problem is there will be a moment when they are really tired. And there is more risk of injury.
Liverpool only reached the fourth round of this competition last season - Matt McNulty/Getty Images
âBut that is why we cannot say it does not work for anyone. There are players who play every three days with no issues. They are very robust, their performances do not change too much. There are other players where the risk is bigger and the performances are different. I have to learn who is ready to play games every three days and who needs a rest so their performance level is not affected. I thought I had it quite clear in my mind with some, but with others, it is new, even for them, because they have not played as many games. We are learning.â
Liverpool were knocked out in the fourth round of this competition last season, losing 3-0 at home against Crystal Palace. Joe Gomez returns to the squad for the hosts tonight after an injury early in pre-season but Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Federico Chiesa remain out.
Tottenham are still without a league win or goal this season. Their 0-0 draw at home against Everton Saturday means they sit just above the relegation zone. Tottenham overcame Charlton in the second round, convincingly winning 5-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month.
âI think we are working well,â Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi said. âWe played 30 minutes, 25 minutes very well [against Everton]. In that moment we could score two goals. Then we lost maybe the confidence because we did not score. For sure we have to improve. For sure I have big confidence in my players, they are very good players.
âWe have to improve, yes. We can say the coach has responsibility if we do not score, yes, I accept, no problem. We did not win any game so far, yes. We are disappointed, sorry for that. But we have other positive things, like I said we did not [concede goals] in the last two games and the things we have to improve, we start our work. Nothing changed in my project and my idea.â
Tottenhamâs only win of the season came in the previous round of this competition - Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Tottenhamâs League Cup journey last season came to an end in the fourth round last season, losing 2-0 at Newcastle. Sandro Tonali and Pedro Porro will not be involved tonight for the visitors and neither will Richarlison, who has been left out. Andrew Robertson returns to Anfield for the first time after leaving Liverpool in the summer following nine years on Merseyside.
Team news from Anfield to follow shortly.
Source: âAOL Sportsâ
