Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 at Anfield in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, as manager Andoni Iraola’s high press showed encouraging signs while Roberto De Zerbi’s struggling side remained devoid of confidence and direction.
The standout tie of this season’s Carabao Cup third round carried significant ramifications for two Big Six clubs stumbling through far-from-ideal starts to the 2026/27 campaign. When Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur unfolded under the Anfield lights, both managers made wholesale alterations to their preferred lineups.
In total, 18 changes occurred between the sides selected at the weekend compared to Tuesday night. Tottenham deployed a mix of new signings and fringe players—including Mohammed Kudus making his first start since January—while the hosts countered by starting four academy products.
Tactical Tensions and Squandered Openings
Despite the visiting side starting well and carving good openings for Lucas Bergvall and Kudus before the break, they proved wasteful in possession. Much of Tottenham’s attacking success targeted the left flank, exploiting the gaps left behind by Jeremie Frimpong, who continues to look lost in this Liverpool side.
Yet, De Zerbi’s team continually invited pressure by playing out from the back. The visitors lacked ideas, direction, and confidence in the final third.
The sources do not provide a direct quote from Andoni Iraola regarding the sharpness of the game or Lucas Bergvall’s performance, though it was noted that on another day, Liverpool would have scored after shutting down Tottenham’s passive play at the back.
Liverpool encountered defensive frailties of their own. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker had raised concerns at the weekend regarding whether the team could press effectively under Iraola, and the defense was repeatedly cut open in the first half hour.
Sublime Finishes Punish Defensive Lulls
The hosts ultimately rode their luck and punished their opponents through two sublime finishes. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo found the net, with Gakpo’s goal arriving after he nearly joined Tottenham during the summer.
Cruising at 2-0, Liverpool’s recurring vulnerabilities from corner kicks surfaced once more. No.2 goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made a weak flap at a Matheus Fernandes delivery, allowing Conor Gallagher to head home and make the final 20 minutes unnecessarily uncomfortable.
Any hopes of a late Tottenham comeback evaporated when substitute Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the contest in the closing stages with a strike from range.
Squad Depth and Youth Performances Offer Hope
While squad depth questions linger—with critics arguing that FSG left Iraola short during the summer—the cup tie highlighted strong individual displays from youngsters Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, and James McConnell.
With back-ups stepping up, the home side demonstrated that Iraola’s trademark high press can function effectively. Pre-match, the head coach insisted that the club must accept ups and downs in this process
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Long-Term Ambitions Amid Domestic Struggles
While Liverpool look toward upcoming fixtures with signs of tactical identity taking shape, Tottenham face an uphill battle. De Zerbi recently signed a five-year contract without a relegation escape clause, succeeding a club that has not been relegated since 1977.
Speaking ahead of his first game as Spurs boss—a fixture at Sunderland on Sunday—the manager outlined his long-term vision for the north London club.
“In my plan, for sure there is the idea to stay for a long time, to try to put Tottenham – and I’m not speaking about the titles because it’s not the right moment now – but to put Tottenham to stay in the first position in the Premier League because everything is here to reach that level.”
Roberto De Zerbi, via Daily Mail Sport
With a demanding domestic run-in awaiting both clubs, Tottenham must quickly rediscover their cutting edge, while Liverpool attempt to smooth out the defensive errors that continue to test their supporters’ nerves.