Tottenham was beaten 3-1 by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield on Tuesday; Conor Gallagher got Spurs' only goal, while James Maddison offered hope off the bench
Andy Robertson made his first return to Anfield with Tottenham after leaving Liverpool in the summer
Andy Robertson made his first return to Anfield with Tottenham after leaving Liverpool in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Tottenham fell to a spirited 3-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday.
The deadlock was shattered just after the 20-minute mark, with Alexis Mac Allister completely free in the box to bend a shot into the top right corner of the goal. Liverpool doubled its advantage on 54 minutes, with Tottenham's Archie Gray affording too much room to Cody Gakpo, allowing the Dutchman to drill a low strike inside the right-hand upright.
Conor Gallagher offered Tottenham a lifeline when he nodded home Mateus Fernandes' corner from close quarters in the 69th minute. The contest was ultimately settled by a world-class finish, as Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai struck a swerving half-volley into the net from range with exceptional technique. Here are Liverpool.com's Tottenham player ratings from the match...
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Martin Dubravka, 7: His first genuine involvement came when denying Lewis Koumas in a one-on-one situation. Powerless to prevent Mac Allister's clinical finish. Made a stop from Szoboszlai in the 82nd minute.
Archie Gray, 5: Wore the armband once more and delivered a reasonably competent performance in the opening period. However, he afforded Gakpo far too much room in the penalty area for his strike just before the hour. Struggled to contain Alexander Isak during the closing stages and was outmuscled by the forward for a Liverpool opportunity.
Tosin Adarabioyo, 7: An assured first full appearance from the center-back. Cannot be held responsible for any of the goals conceded, and completed the majority of his defensive duties competently.
Tottenham failed to match Liverpool's quality
Tottenham failed to match Liverpool's quality(Image: Getty Images)
Marcos Senesi, 5: Was spun by Koumas for a significant opportunity 16 minutes into proceedings. Delivered an excellent ball over the top to find Destiny Udogie's run into the Liverpool penalty area after 25 minutes, though the Italian failed to control it. That rather encapsulated his opening 45 minutes – a mixture of assured passages and uncertain ones. Improved as the match progressed in the second period and attempted to drive the ball forward.
Destiny Udogie, 7: Delivered an accurate low delivery that Lucas Bergvall ought to have converted early on. Featured at both the beginning and conclusion of a swift counter-attack that ended with Mohammed Kudus firing over the bar. Unlucky to see his tackle on Rio Ngumoha inadvertently direct the ball to Mac Allister, who scored. Should he remain injury-free, he provides a considerable threat down the left flank.
Rodrigo Bentancur, 6: Began brightly, but after receiving a yellow card, he was treading a fine line and launched into one tackle that might have resulted in a second caution before his withdrawal.
Lucas Bergvall, 7: Made a crucial sliding challenge to halt Gakpo's advance toward the Spurs penalty area within the opening five minutes. Ought to have broken the deadlock with a clear opportunity from eight yards, but the goalkeeper denied him. Embarked on several forward surges in the second period as the match opened up and executed some vital challenges, including one inside the Tottenham box during the closing 10 minutes. That performance will have boosted his self-belief.
Mohammed Kudus, 5: His first starting appearance since the early stages of 2026, and it was evident at times through his tentative play. Sent an attempt over the bar from six yards following Udogie's low delivery after the half-hour mark. Had a shot stopped by the goalkeeper just past the hour, following a set-up from Omar Marmoush. Valuable game time for the Ghana international despite lacking the final product upon his return to the starting XI.
Conor Gallagher, 7: His technical ability is wildly inconsistent. At times it's superb, at others it's completely erratic. However, he contributes considerably more to the side. Released Udogie down the left flank for Bergvall's early opportunity. Had an attempt deflected over the bar. Worked tirelessly throughout and then powered home a header from Fernandes' corner to give Spurs renewed hope.
Mathys Tel, 5: Lots of effort and endeavor with little to show for it beyond a low delivery that Kudus ought to have converted.
Omar Marmoush, 6: Found it difficult until approximately the hour mark before beginning to discover space for his forward runs and was thwarted by the goalkeeper's quick reactions when seeking a goal.
Mateus Fernandes, 6 (sub): Delivered the corner that Gallagher converted with his header. Attempted to inject momentum into Spurs' play during the closing stages.
Andy Robertson, 5 (sub): Received a warm welcome upon his return to Anfield and consistently sought to deliver crosses into the penalty area when positioned wide.
Savio, 5 (sub): Embarked on several promising runs and ought to have tested the goalkeeper after one such surge, rather than directing his effort across the goalmouth.
James Maddison, 6 (sub): An encouraging substitute appearance showcasing flashes of vintage Maddison. Despite limited time on the pitch, he posed a constant threat and appeared in fine form. Provided an incisive pass to Marmoush, who had been absent prior to his introduction.