Liverpool secured a dramatic last-gasp victory over Southampton in their EFL Cup campaign, a match that saw Hugo Ekitike emerge as both the hero and the villain for the reigning Premier League champions. The encounter, which Southampton played without their Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo, showcased Liverpool's knack for late heroics.

Manager Arne Slot opted for a completely reshuffled side, making 11 changes from the team that recently defeated Everton. While the experimental lineup initially lacked rhythm, Liverpool's rich heritage in the competition—as 10-time winners and finalists in three of the last four years—eventually shone through.

The deadlock was broken in the 43rd minute when Federico Chiesa capitalized on a careless pass from Alex McCarthy, setting up summer signing Alexander Isak for a composed finish and his debut goal. However, Liverpool's lead proved fragile in the second half. A moment of panic from Wataru Endo in the 76th minute allowed Shea Charles to secure an equalizer for the visitors, intensifying the tension for the finale.

As he has done multiple times this season, substitute Hugo Ekitike once again put the Reds in front late in the game, converting another assist from Chiesa. The celebration that followed was equally dramatic. Ekitike, in a moment of exuberance, took off his shirt, earning him a second yellow card and an immediate red card for a second bookable offense. This left Liverpool to cling on with ten men to close out the contest.

Ekitike's sending-off created immediate confusion regarding his suspension. It was later confirmed that the one-match ban would be applied to Liverpool's very next game: Saturday's Premier League trip to Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace. This suspension means that Alexander Isak, who scored the opening goal in the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory, is now likely to make his first league start for the Reds.