Overview

• Liverpool beat Southampton 2-1 at Anfield to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round, with goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
• Isak opened his Liverpool account on 43 minutes and was withdrawn at half-time to follow a pre-planned fitness programme overseen by club staff.
• Ekitike, already booked earlier for dissent, was sent off for removing his shirt after scoring the late winner and will miss Saturday’s match at Crystal Palace through suspension.
• Ekitike posted an Instagram apology for the dismissal, and senior figures including Arne Slot and Andy Robertson criticised the decision as avoidable.
• Federico Chiesa provided two assists in a standout display, and debutant Giovanni Leoni’s late collapse prompted concern with his injury status yet to be confirmed.