Swedish striker, Alexander Isak, recorded his first goal for Liverpool before Hugo Ekitike netted the winner and was shown the red card in a narrow 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round.
Isak scored finely in the 43rd minute after Federico Chiesa latched on to Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s sloppy pass and cut the ball back to the former Newcastle United goal machine.
Shea Charles equalized in the 76th minute when Wataru Endo headed back towards his own goal, setting up a nervy finish.
Ekitike, who replaced Isak and has been impressive since his move to Anfield, placed Arne Slot’s Liverpool back in front in the 85th minute, converting Chiesa’s assist.
The Frenchman then bagged his second yellow, and was sent off; Ekitike, who had earlier in the second 45 minutes received a yellow for a foul, was shown the red card for taking off his shirt in celebration of his winner for the Reds.
Slot made eleven (11) changes to the side that defeated Everton on Saturday and this was a below-expectation display from his juvenile team.
Following Ekitike’s red card, Slot reacted: “If a player goes off like that it’s not a good sign. We have to wait and see what it is but usually it’s not positive.”
Result
EFL Cup 2025/26 (Round 3) – Tuesday 23 September, 2025 |
| Barnsley 0-6 Brighton |
| Burnley 1-2 Cardiff City |
| Fulham 1-0 Cambridge United |
| Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea |
| Wigan Athletic 0-2 Wycombe Wanderers |
| Wolves 2-0 Everton |
| Wrexham 2-0 Reading |
| Liverpool 2-1 Southampton |
Photo: Alexander Isak celebrates first goal for Liverpool | X/Liverpool FC
