Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield. The match saw Alexander Isak score his first goal for Liverpool, but Hugo Ekitike's late winner was overshadowed by his subsequent red card for removing his shirt in celebration.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot made 11 changes to the starting lineup from the previous game against Everton. Debuts were handed to Giorgi Mamardashvili and Giovanni Leoni. Despite the changes, Liverpool nearly took the lead within the first minute when Isak's shot was deflected wide by Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. Southampton responded strongly, with Adam Armstrong hitting the crossbar after a one-two with Ryan Manning. Léo Scienza directed the rebound wide.

Isak opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a mistake by McCarthy. Federico Chiesa pounced on McCarthy's misjudged pass and squared the ball to Isak, who finished confidently. Isak celebrated his first Liverpool goal by sliding on his knees in front of the Anfield crowd. Isak said he felt good after the match, though admitted he should have scored with his first chance. He was substituted at halftime as his match fitness is still being managed.

Southampton started the second half brightly. Chiesa had a goal disallowed for offside. Southampton equalized in the 76th minute when Shea Charles poked home after Wataru Endo failed to clear a corner. Leoni was stretchered off after suffering a suspected knee injury.

Ekitike, who came on as a substitute for Isak, scored the winning goal in the 85th minute, tapping in from close range after a pass from Chiesa. However, his joy was short-lived as he was sent off for removing his shirt during the celebration, earning a second yellow card. Ekitike will now serve a one-match ban and miss Liverpool's upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Slot criticized Ekitike's "stupid" decision.

Despite the win, Liverpool's performance was not entirely convincing. Southampton, currently 19th in the Championship, proved to be a difficult opponent. Liverpool's much-changed team was careless in possession and second-best in the challenge in the first half.