Ekitiké’s Red Card Mars Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Victory
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash against Southampton at Anfield turned into another dramatic night, full of highs and lows, and it ended with more talking points than anyone expected. The Premier League leaders did secure their place in the fourth round, but the victory was far from routine, and it came with a mix of relief, frustration, and even concern.
The headlines, of course, have been dominated by Hugo Ekitiké. The young French forward came off the bench to score what looked like a heroic winner in the 85th minute. It was the kind of goal Liverpool have become known for in recent weeks – another late strike, their sixth in a seven-game winning run. The stadium erupted, and for a moment, it seemed like the perfect night. But almost instantly, that joy was overshadowed.
In a rush of emotion, Ekitiké ripped off his shirt and held it up to the Liverpool fans. The celebration, though dramatic, earned him a second yellow card, following an earlier booking for dissent. Within seconds of scoring, he was sent off, leaving his teammates to finish the game with ten men. His red card also means he will be suspended for Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace this weekend, a blow for both the player and the fans. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s head coach, didn’t mince his words afterward, calling the decision “stupid” and reminding his striker that emotions have to be controlled, no matter the occasion.
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The game itself had been a tricky one. Southampton, managed by Will Still, were bold and adventurous, creating chances and even striking the crossbar. At one point, they looked certain to score, only for Léo Scienza to miss a free header from just a few yards out. Liverpool were punished for their sloppiness too, when a second-half corner led to Shea Charles grabbing an equalizer for the visitors.
Earlier, Alexander Isak had opened his Liverpool account with a well-taken goal, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Southampton’s keeper Alex McCarthy. That strike was a relief for Liverpool’s record signing, who is still building his match fitness after a long transfer saga. And with Ekitiké now suspended, Isak may be handed his first league start against Crystal Palace, a chance to establish himself quickly with the fans.
Not everything on the night was about goals and cards, though. The atmosphere at Anfield began with a solemn tribute to Matt Beard, the former Liverpool Women’s manager who recently passed away at just 47. A minute of silence was held to honor his contribution to the club.
But perhaps the biggest concern beyond Ekitiké’s dismissal came with Giovanni Leoni’s injury. The young defender, making his debut after a summer move from Parma, had impressed alongside Joe Gomez. Yet late in the game, he collapsed awkwardly, appearing to suffer a knee problem. Early signs suggest it could be serious, possibly an ACL injury, and he is set to undergo scans.
So, while Liverpool once again found a way to win late, the night was anything but straightforward. A valuable victory, yes, but one shadowed by Ekitiké’s costly mistake, Leoni’s injury, and the lingering feeling that even in triumph, there was a heavy price to pay.
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