Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola's faith in the club's young players was repaid as the Reds eased into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Tottenham
Liverpool's Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola gestures after the teams first goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north west England on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Andoni Iraola was pleased with what he saw from Liverpool against Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola was delighted with Liverpool’s win over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, hailing the performance as “close to the version we want”.
The Reds eased into the fourth round as they piled more misery on a Spurs side that has made a poor start to the season, going through thanks to a 3-1 win at Anfield. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo either side of the break set them on their way before Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning late strike sealed the victory.
The result and the display will come as a major boost following the disappointing goalless draw with Fulham at the weekend, which stunted the momentum following victories over Ipswich and Atletico Madrid.
Having made 10 changes and put his faith in a generally younger Liverpool side, Iraola was repaid with a much improved performance from the weekend, which looks to be the blueprint for his team going forward now.
"I think the game was quite different phases,” Iraola told ITV Sport. “We were pushing a lot and then went ahead but once we were ahead they were close to our zones, especially set pieces we were suffering. I think we've been good.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lewis Koumas during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on September 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo and Lewis Koumas celebrate after the former scored Liverpool's second goal in their 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield
"I felt the team during good phases today, it felt like energy and everyone pushing. It was close to the version we want."
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Iraola added: "I am pleased with the performance. I think there have been different phases in the game but overall I liked the energy. We scored but I am happy because we are in the next round.
"I think at 2-0, they have to take a risk and win some territory. We were defending well but conceding a lot of set-pieces and when they scored that put us under some pressure. Luckily for us we found a way to score a third and finish the game properly."
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Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Iraola’s former side as it heads to Bournemouth on Sunday, looking to pick up just a second Premier League win of the season after taking six points from the opening four games.
"I know the game is very difficult,” Iraola said on returning to his old stomping ground. “You see how many they lose in a season and it is a difficult place to go. To win there you have to be really good."