Alexander Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool and Hugo Ekitike scored the winner, but was then immediately sent off for removing his shirt, to outlast recently relegated Southampton in the 3rd round of the League Cup at Anfield on Tuesday.
MORE — League Cup ties, results | League Cup winners, records
Southampton had more (and the better) of the scoring chances in the first half (just 0.22 xG for Liverpool prior to Isak’s opener, to 1.16 for Saints), only to hand Liverpool’s new $176-million man his first goal on a silver platter two minutes before halftime. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy tried to play the ball out to defender Joshua Quarshie, but Federico Chiesa read it all the way, jumped the passing lane and found Isak with two quick touches. Isak took it first time and lifted the ball over McCarthy at the near post.
Liverpool made a mess of a Saints corner kick in the 76th minute, and that’s how the visitors found themselves level late on. Wataru Endo headed the ball back across the face of goal, Quarshie flicked it on to Shea Charles and he finished from six yards out.
It was 1-1 for almost 10 minutes, at which point Cheisa set Ekitike for his fourth goal of the season, followed by his second yellow card of the game for his celebration. Ekitike walked past manager Arne Slot, who seemed to not even look at the Frenchman or acknowledge him, and down the tunnel to the locker room.
Arne Slot calls Ekitike’s red card “needless and stupid”
“I am sure he just wasn’t aware of being on a yellow in that moment. Sometimes when you score a goal you are in that moment. Of course it is unfortunate.”
Arne Slot describes Hugo Ekitike’s red card as “needless and stupid”.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 23, 2025
Andrew Robertson: “I’ll be very surprised if he does it again. Scoring a goal is emotional and he’s obviously forgot. His first one is stupidity. It’s silly from his part. He will learn from it and I’m sure he won’t do it again.”
Liverpool vs Southampton live updates - by Andy Edwards
Liverpool vs Southampton final score: 2-1
Goalscorers: Alexander isak (43'), Shea Charles (76'). Hugo Ekitike (85')
GOAL! RED CARD! Liverpool 2-1 Southampton: Ekitike slots home, gets sent off for removing his shirt (85')
A touch of class... then a moment of madness! 😱
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 23, 2025
Hugo Ekitike finishes off a lovely Liverpool team move, then is SENT OFF with a second yellow after removing his shirt on the celebration 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/FoEMIe7GbO
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Southampton: Charles pounces on lazy Liverpool defending and equalizes (76')
Shea Charles taps home as Southampton shock Liverpool and pull even at Anfield 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XNQQTi1cNp
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 23, 2025
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Southampton: Saints hand Isak his first goal on a plate (43')
Alexander Isak bags his first goal for Liverpool! 🔴
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 23, 2025
Calamity at the back for Southampton as Federico Chiesa's press forces an error to set up a simple finish 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/hAlVkXGzes
Liverpool starting lineup
Mamardashvili - Frimpong, Leoni, Gomez, Robertson - Endo, Nyoni, Jones - Chiesa, Ngumoha, Isak
Southampton starting lineup
McCarthy - Jelert, Edwards, Wood, Quarshie, Manning - Archer, Downes, Jander, Scienza - Armstrong
How to watch Liverpool vs Southampton live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3pm ET Tuesday (September 23)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel/Streaming: Paramount+
The Reds lost in the final of this competition to Newcastle at Wembley and given the incredible strength of their squad, you wouldn’t put it past Liverpool going into April and May 2026 still being in with a shout of winning the quadruple. They sit top of the Premier League table after five wins from five and everyone expects them to win every game they play at the moment and there is a ruthless edge to their play as they keep scoring late winners. Liverpool will rotate plenty of players for this game but it will be very exciting to see some talented youngsters and top-notch fringe players given the chance to impress.
As for Southampton, they have not impressed under new manager Will Still. Saints have won just one of their first six games in the Championship this season and were beaten 3-1 at Hull City on Saturday. They are still suffering from an almighty relegation hangover after their dismal tally of just 12 points in the Premier League last season. Still has overseen a total change in playing style and so many players have come in and out of the squad. They’re still expected to push for promotion straight back to the top-flight and an unexpected win in this competition could give them some confidence to kick on in the league.
Liverpool team news, focus
There will be plenty of changes for Liverpool and the likes of Rio Ngumoha, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones are all expected to start.
Southampton team news, focus
Saints have signed a lot of new attacking players but they are struggling to create chances from open play and may return to a 3-4-2-1 system. Watch out for youngster Jay Robinson, while new signings Damion Downs, Finn Azaz, Tom Fellows and Leo Scienza are eager to make their mark in attack too.
Liverpool vs Southampton prediction
This should be a lot of fun as Liverpool’s youngsters and fringe players will go all-out to impress Arne Slot. Saints will have a go too as they have nothing to lose. Expect goals. Liverpool 4-2 Southampton.
