Ekitiké sees red after scoring winner as Isak opens account

Alexander Isak, the man who extinguished Liverpool’s hopes in the Carabao Cup final last season, opened his account for Arne Slot’s side as they produced yet another victory with another late show.

- Andy Hunter

It was far from a comfortable night’s work for the Premier League leaders, however, as Will Still’s Southampton refused to be intimidated at Anfield and almost took the tie to penalties.

Liverpool needed an 85th minute winner from Hugo Ekitiké to see off tenacious opposition from the Championship and maintain their quest to reach a fourth League Cup final in five seasons. Ekitiké received a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration and will now miss Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace through suspension. His dismissal added to Slot's concerns after Giovanni Leoni's impressive debut came to an abrupt halt through injury.

Slot stuck to his promise to field a completely different lineup to Saturday’s win in the Merseyside derby in the third round tie. Giovanni Leoni partnered Joe Gomez in central defence for his first appearance since a £26m summer move from Parma and was a towering, composed and alert presence. His performance was an exception in the first half, however. Liverpool’s much-changed team were careless in possession and second best in the challenge. An interval lead flattered them.