Hugo Ekitiké was sent off just moments after scoring the decisive goal in Liverpool’s 2–1 victory over Southampton in the League Cup third round, while Alexander Isak celebrated his first goal for the club in front of a vibrant Anfield crowd.
The result propels the Reds into the fourth round but leaves a cloud of tension hanging over their next fixtures.
The encounter began with much anticipation, not least because of the arrival of Isak, Liverpool’s record-signing striker. He had joined the club from Newcastle United for approximately £125 million, creating expectations of a transformative impact.
Despite limited match fitness and a cautious integration plan by manager Arne Slot, Isak was handed a starting role for the cup tie.
Liverpool’s route to the breakthrough involved the industrious presence of Federico Chiesa, who played a pivotal role in both goals. In the 43rd minute, Chiesa delivered a cutback assist to Isak, who coolly slotted the ball home to send Anfield into a half-time stir.
Isak off the mark pic.twitter.com/UtLx8RMOZe
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 23, 2025
Isak, reflecting on the moment, described the feeling as “amazing,” acknowledging that he had missed an earlier chance but emphasizing confidence in his ability to convert when his moments arrive.
Southampton, however, refused to lie down. In the 76th minute, Shea Charles capitalized on a lapse by Liverpool’s midfield, equalizing after an error from Wataru Endo. As the contest entered the final stages tension mounted, and Liverpool pressed for a winner.
At halftime, Slot made the substitution of Isak for Ekitiké, a move that would turn out to be decisive. In the 85th minute, Ekitiké seized his moment: Chiesa once again provided the assist, cutting the ball back for the French forward to tap home what would prove to be the winner.
Yet, in the euphoria of the moment, Ekitiké removed his jersey in celebration—an act that drew a second yellow card and thus a red, reducing Liverpool to ten men just minutes after the decisive goal.
The dismissal immediately shifted attention away from the victory and onto Ekitiké’s lapse in judgment. Liverpool captain Andy Robertson, speaking to reporters, branded the incident “stupid,” particularly given that Ekitiké had already been booked earlier for kicking the ball away in frustration.
Manager Arne Slot echoed that sentiment, calling the sending-off “needless and stupid” and lamenting the lack of self-control shown. “The first one was already needless and to a certain extent stupid because you have to control your emotions,” Slot said in his post-match press conference. “If you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute … then maybe you can understand. But I’m old fashioned, I’m 47 … if I scored a goal like this I’d have turned around and walked up to Chiesa and said, ‘This goal is all about you. This is not about me.’”
Despite being a man down, Liverpool held on through a tense closing spell to claim the win. The result reinforces the club’s habit this season of late showdowns—this was the sixth time in as many matches that Liverpool have clinched a winner in the final ten minutes.
For Ekitiké, the moment was bittersweet. It was his fifth goal in eight appearances for Liverpool, reflecting a promising start to his tenure, but the red card now carries consequences. He will miss Liverpool’s next match in the Premier League against Crystal Palace, a suspension carried over from the League Cup to league competition.
The striker attempted to preempt the backlash, issuing an apology via social media, stating that his emotions got the better of him.
Hugo Ekitike Apology on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/2Ez1T3ZcbZ
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) September 23, 2025
Meanwhile, Isak’s debut season narrative continues to build. Though he played just the first half in this match, his opening goal has already added weight to what is expected of him at Anfield.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “It was good to get back out there and score my first goal here, at Anfield. The win as well. So, it’s a good night.” The Swedish striker emphasized confidence, adding that striking is a game of missed chances and opportunity, and that he intends to remain ready for those moments.