Liverpool mounted another comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Diogo Jota all found the net for the Reds in this encounter.
At Anfield, Liverpool had to once again recover from an early deficit to progress in the Carabao Cup, ultimately defeating Leicester City 3-1.
As anticipated, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp made several changes, with only Curtis Jones retaining his spot and captaining the team.
The game started with an early Leicester counter-attack that resulted in Kasey McAteer calmly scoring, putting Liverpool behind.
The home team applied significant pressure to equalize before halftime, and their efforts were nearly rewarded as Ben Doak struck the crossbar, while Cody Gakpo had a close effort cleared off the line, allowing the Foxes to maintain their lead at the break.
Liverpool wasted no time in the second half, as Cody Gakpo calmly finished to level the score, and Dominik Szoboszlai continued to solidify his status as an early fan favorite by delivering a thunderous strike to propel the Reds into the next round. Diogo Jota added the finishing touch to seal the victory.
Curtis Jones’s Unexpected Role:
Curtis Jones was a surprise selection in the Liverpool lineup, particularly as he was deployed at right-back. Despite this unorthodox role, the academy graduate impressed with his ability to transition into midfield and hold his own in defense, offering Klopp a potential solution in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence.
The Absence of VAR:
The absence of VAR in the Carabao Cup was noticeable during the match, with fans lamenting its non-utilization. Kostas Tsimikas felt he was fouled in the build-up to Leicester’s goal, and Ben Doak’s penalty appeal after a challenge by James Justin was waved away. The decision not to use VAR in games held at Premier League grounds appeared perplexing.
Liverpool’s Resurgent Pressing:
Liverpool’s pressing game, which had faltered last season, appeared to be back in full swing this season. Even with multiple changes in the lineup, the Reds pressed relentlessly, with players like Ben Doak and Cody Gakpo consistently pressuring opposition defenders.
Cody Gakpo’s Reminder:
Cody Gakpo, who has recently played second fiddle to Darwin Núñez, sent a timely reminder to manager Klopp with his performance. He was unlucky not to score in the first half, with Conor Coady clearing his header off the line. Gakpo’s work rate and goal in the second half gave Klopp more to ponder in terms of team selection.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s Impact:
Dominik Szoboszlai, already a fan favorite at Anfield, continued to impress. Despite coming off the bench, he made a significant impact on the game by scoring a thunderous winner from outside the box.
In summary, Liverpool showcased resilience once again, with notable performances from Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai, securing their progression in the Carabao Cup.