EFL Cup: Chiesa Shines As Liverpool Edge Southampton 2-1

Liverpool advanced from the EFL third round after a dramatic 2-1 win over Southampton at Anfield on Tuesday night.

The Reds took the lead just before the break when summer signing Alexander Isak marked his first goal for the club in the 43rd minute.

The striker latched onto a pass from Federico Chiesa and calmly slotted home to give Liverpool the advantage going into half-time.

Southampton clawed their way back into the game in the 76th minute when midfielder Shea Charles found space in the box and fired past the Liverpool goalkeeper to silence the home crowd and put the tie back in the balance.

With extra time looming, Liverpool responded swiftly. Substitute Hugo Ekitike, restored the lead in the 85th minute with a decisive finish, once again after good work from Chiesa, who turned provider for the second time on the night.

The joy quickly turned to concern when Ekitike, in the heat of celebration, removed his shirt and was shown a second yellow card, reducing Liverpool to 10 men for the final minutes.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Arne Slot’s side managed the closing stages with discipline, holding off Southampton’s late push to secure the victory.

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