Liverpool’s reputation for late drama continued in the EFL Cup, as Hugo Ekitike once again delivered a decisive winner to see off Southampton on Wednesday night. Alexander Isak had earlier opened his Reds account, but it was the Frenchman who once again provided the final word in a tight contest.
Isak, making only his second start for Liverpool since arriving from Newcastle for a British record £125 million, almost scored inside the first minute, forcing goalkeeper McCarthy into an early save. For much of the first half, however, he found himself kept quiet by a compact defence. When his chance finally arrived, he made no mistake, finishing calmly to put Liverpool ahead.
That proved to be Isak’s final contribution. Substituted at half-time, he stayed on the pitch for sprinting drills rather than heading into the dressing room, a sign that match sharpness remains the immediate focus of his integration under Arne Slot. His replacement, Ekitike, continued his strong start to life at Anfield by seizing the moment once again. With the game finely balanced, he delivered the winner to seal the points.
The Reds are still searching for fluency but, with five wins from five, their resilience and attacking depth are ensuring results continue to fall their way.
