Overview

• Liverpool beat Southampton 2-1 at Anfield, with Alexander Isak scoring on 43 minutes and Hugo Ekitike netting an 85th‑minute winner before being dismissed.
• Ekitike had been booked for dissent earlier and received a second yellow for removing his shirt in celebration, leading to a red card from referee Thomas Bramall.
• Arne Slot labelled the sending off “needless” and “stupid,” while Ekitike apologised on Instagram, saying emotion got the better of him.
• A two‑yellow dismissal in the EFL Cup carries a one‑match domestic ban, ruling Ekitike out of the Premier League visit to Crystal Palace.
• Isak’s minutes are being carefully managed after his record move, and the suspension increases selection pressure, with Federico Chiesa — provider of both assists — under strong consideration.