One player in Liverpool red did enough to help his team into the next round in what was otherwise a mixed display from a much-changed team.
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton
Carabao Cup Third Round | Anfield
September 23, 2025
Goals: Isak 43′, Ekitike 85’; Charles 76’
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7 (out of 10)
Called into action early on to save a shot from Adam Armstrong, and took control of situations in a commanding fashion.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6
Was one of the most attacking players in the team when Liverpool had the ball, taking up a position high on the right wing outside Chiesa.
Made a few needless giveaways in the opening stages, and it wasn’t the most convincing performance, but his role was important, and he worked hard covering the entire right flank.
Moved up to the right wing proper once Bradley came on.
Giovanni Leoni – 8
An early tentative header clear gave way to a settled and solid display, which was often not matched by some of the more experienced players around him.
You wouldn’t have thought this was an 18-year-old making his debut for one of the biggest clubs in the world, so composed was his performance.
At times, it looked like he was the one marshalling the back line as Virgil van Dijk usually does.
Stretchered off later in the second half after landing awkwardly on the sloped edge of the pitch. Hopefully, it wasn’t as bad as it looked, as he was close to being Man of the Match on debut.
Joe Gomez – 6
Struggled similarly to Frimpong, giving the ball away in dangerous areas and generally looking rusty as the game began.
Did well to clear a cross behind on one occasion and avoid scoring an own goal, when the ball could easily have been diverted inside the post.
Looks like he’d need a run of games to get to his level, but there are signs his high level is still there.
Andy Robertson – 7
Dropped inside to form a back three when Liverpool had the ball, but was more expansive in defence, bursting forward to close down the opposition when needed.
Wataru Endo – 6
A couple of sloppy passes in the first half, but he generally gave the kind of performance you can predict for any game he plays, which can be a good option for the manager to have.
Made some good interventions defensively, and was one of the better players in the second half, before a strange non-clearance led to the Southampton goal.
Trey Nyoni – 7
Initially operated in the most advanced of the three midfield roles, but couldn’t get into the game as much as a Dominik Szoboszlai or a Florian Wirtz might.
It would be harsh to judge him by those standards, though, and he did a good job when he was able to get involved, which was increasingly so as the game went on.
Dropped deeper after Jones was subbed off and was able to take more control of the game — something he is capable of doing.
Curtis Jones – 7
Some flashes of good midfield play showed why he is one of the players in this lineup genuinely pushing for a more regular place in the XI.
A 95% pass accuracy by the time he was subbed showed the kind of game he played.
Federico Chiesa – 9 – Man of the Match
Stung the hands of McCarthy with a shot early on to state his intent.
Looked the most likely source of a goal for Liverpool in the first half, and ended up being the provider of both.
First, he intercepted a poor Alex McCarthy pass and set up Isak for an easy first goal, and then he set up Ekitike for an even easier finish at the end of a break in the last ten minutes to give Liverpool the win.
Found the net himself on one occasion but was rightly given offside.
Alexander Isak – 7
It took just 45 seconds for Isak to get a shot away in this game as he looked to open his Liverpool account, but the finish was straight at the ‘keeper.
He couldn’t have asked for a better chance to do just that when Chiesa set him up just before halftime, and he duly obliged to give Liverpool the lead.
Rio Ngumoha – 6
Always looking to take on his man, and though he wasn’t always successful in doing so, he kept the Southampton defence on their toes, which can mean space for other players.
Overall Team Performance – 7
Substitutes
Hugo Ekitike (on for Isak, 46′) – 6
Was straight into the action, having been given the whole of the second half off the bench, replacing Isak. It wasn’t long before fans were singing his name, such was his impact.
Ran at defenders and always looked a threat, except maybe when he dragged a tame shot wide from outside the area.
Headed just wide right after Southampton had scored their equaliser, but it was difficult to get the shot on target from outside the far post.
Tapped in from Chiesa’s set-up, but needlessly picked up a second yellow card for taking off his shirt in celebration, and made the remainder of the game difficult for his teammates.
Slot might not be too pleased.
Conor Bradley (on for Jones, 58′) – 6
Jayden Danns (on for Ngumoha, 75′) – N/A
Milos Kerkez (on for Leoni, 81′) – N/A
Subs not used: Woodman, Williams, Gordon, Morrison, Pilling
Arne Slot – 8
Slot made wholesale changes to his lineup, but was still able to give a start to several senior players as well as record signing Isak.
Speaking to the broadcasters prior to the game, Slot said he expected this team to play in much the same way as the usual starters so far this season.
What kind of performance that is, we don’t really know, as the first team hasn’t always been the model of consistency despite picking up the wins.
This team reflected that, not looking convincing at times, but still showing enough quality throughout to pick up the win.
Slot did what he had to do with the lineup, and came away with another win in another competition.
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton