Liverpool made it through to the next round of the Carabao Cup with a fantastic 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
While all the focus was on the young players as the likes of Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Lewis Koumas were handed rare starts, it was the experienced bunch that got the goals.
Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dom Szoboszlai all scored fantastic goals at Anfield to seal the game for the home team, with Conor Gallagher’s second-half strike proving to be nothing more than a consolation for Roberto De Zerbi and co.
And after the game, Andoni Iraola name-dropped three players whose experience helped the younger players thrive at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola heaps praise on Liverpool trio
“Cody doesn’t just give us the goals and assists; he gives us some physicality and calmness on the ball,” said Iraola after the game.
“Players like him, Ronald, Alexis… this team was quite young; his experience helped us a lot.”
Andoni Iraola on Cody Gakpo:
“Cody doesn’t just give us the goals and assists, he gives us some physicality and calmness on the ball. Players like him, Ronald, Alexis… this team was quite young, his experience helped us a lot.”
— AS (@Anfield_Sector) September 15, 2026
Gakpo continued his fine start to the season with another goal and Mac Allister produced another fine display in midfield.
As for Araujo, he’s quickly becoming a fan favourite at Anfield as he impressed as a central defender for the first time since his surprise loan move from Barcelona.
‘Very happy’ – Andoni Iraola says Liverpool trio were ‘dead’ after Tottenham performance
‘Very happy’ – Andoni Iraola says Liverpool trio were ‘dead’ after Tottenham performance
Andoni Iraola’s comments after Tottenham prove his Liverpool system is working
Andoni Iraola’s comments after Tottenham prove his Liverpool system is working