Liverpool and Arsenal both secured their places in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup following impressive victories on Monday evening. Liverpool dispatched Tottenham Hotspur with a 3-1 win at Anfield, while Arsenal overwhelmed Ipswich Town in a 4-2 thriller at Portman Road. These results underline the depth and tactical flexibility of the two Premier League giants, who both navigated potential pitfalls against top-flight opposition to remain in contention for domestic silverware.
Anfield dominance: Liverpool outclasses Tottenham
Under the floodlights of a vibrant Anfield, Liverpool demonstrated why they are considered one of the tournament favorites. Despite heavy rotation in the starting lineup, manager Andoni Iraola’s side maintained a cohesive structure that consistently pressured the Tottenham defense.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute. A sharp cross from the flank was controlled by Cody Gakpo, who found 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha. Although the teenager was challenged in the box, the ball fell perfectly to Alexis Mac Allister at the edge of the area. The Argentine midfielder dispatched a precise right-footed strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Martin Dubravka helpless. This goal marked a significant resurgence for Mac Allister, who has struggled for consistent form since the conclusion of the 2025-2026 campaign.
Liverpool doubled their lead in the 54th minute following a masterclass in build-up play. Moving the ball through 20 passes from their own half, Liverpool dismantled the Tottenham press. Mac Allister turned provider, slipping an incisive pass to Gakpo on the left wing. The Dutch international cut inside in his signature style, curling a clinical shot into the far corner to extend the lead.
Tottenham managed to pull one back in the 69th minute through Conor Gallagher, who converted a corner kick with a powerful header. However, Liverpool sealed the victory in injury time with a spectacular strike from Dominik Szoboszlai. After Gakpo won a long ball, he set up the Hungarian midfielder, who controlled the ball on his chest and executed a breathtaking volley from 35 meters out to cap off a 3-1 win.
The rise of Max Dowman at Portman Road
While Liverpool triumphed at home, the story of the night was arguably unfolding at Portman Road, where 16-year-old Arsenal prospect Max Dowman announced his arrival on the professional stage. In a high-scoring 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town, Dowman became the youngest player to score a brace in a League Cup match since Wayne Rooney’s legendary 2002 performance for Everton.
The young forward opened the scoring in the 7th minute, capitalizing on an error by the Ipswich backline. After a quick interchange with Eberechi Eze, Dowman dribbled into the penalty area, beat a defender with composure, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. This was his first start for the senior team, and his confidence appeared unshakable.
Arsenal’s lead extended to 2-0 in the 16th minute when Noni Madueke found the net following a well-constructed move involving Bruno Guimaraes and Mikel Merino. Dowman struck again shortly after halftime in the 47th minute, latching onto a precise through-ball from Martin Zubimendi to beat goalkeeper Walton and make it 3-0.
Merino added a fourth for the Gunners in the 58th minute with a beautifully placed curling shot that kissed the inside of the post. Although Ipswich clawed back two goals—one through Anis Mehmeti in the 62nd minute and a late consolation from Chuba Akpom—the result was never truly in doubt.
Tactical analysis and squad depth
The Carabao Cup serves as a vital platform for managers to rotate their squads, and both Liverpool and Arsenal used this fixture to test their bench strength.
For Liverpool, the tactical shift in the second half—moving from a controlled possession game to a direct counter-attacking threat—showcased the squad’s versatility. Statistics indicated that while Tottenham held an expected goals (xG) rating of 2.34 compared to Liverpool’s 1.53, the clinical nature of the finishing at Anfield proved the deciding factor. It is worth noting that this victory extends Tottenham’s winless streak at Anfield to 17 consecutive games, a drought stretching back to May 2011.
For Arsenal, the match was a testament to the club’s evolving academy pathway. The presence of players like Max Dowman alongside established stars like Guimaraes and Merino suggests that manager Mikel Arteta is successfully integrating youth into a winning framework. Arsenal’s record in the third round of the League Cup is remarkably consistent, having progressed in 21 of their last 23 attempts.
Historical context and future implications
The significance of these victories extends beyond the Carabao Cup trophy. For Liverpool, the match provided an emotional moment for Andy Robertson, who returned to Anfield in a Tottenham kit. The Scottish international, who played 378 games for Liverpool over nine seasons, received a warm reception from the home crowd, highlighting the mutual respect between the player and his former fans.
Looking forward, both teams now await the outcome of the fourth-round draw, scheduled for September 16. As the competition progresses, the demand on squad depth will increase. The ability of both Liverpool and Arsenal to secure victory while resting key starters—such as the regulars who were not required for the full 90 minutes in these matches—gives them a distinct advantage in the congested autumn schedule.
Statistical breakdown of the fixtures
- Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham:
- Possession: Liverpool 52%, Tottenham 48%
- Shots on target: Liverpool 6, Tottenham 7
- xG: Liverpool 1.53, Tottenham 2.34
- Ipswich Town 2-4 Arsenal:
- Key Performer: Max Dowman (2 goals)
- Arsenal’s efficiency: 4 goals from 9 shots on target.
Managerial perspective
While official post-match press conferences focused on individual performances, the underlying theme from both camps was the importance of momentum. Managers are utilizing these matches to build chemistry among secondary players, ensuring that the team remains competitive regardless of who is on the pitch. For Ipswich Town and Tottenham, the exit allows them to re-center their focus on league ambitions, while Liverpool and Arsenal move forward with renewed confidence in their squads’ capabilities.
As the tournament moves toward the quarter-final stages, the success of youth players like Dowman and the return to form of established stars like Mac Allister will be critical. The Carabao Cup, once considered a secondary priority, has effectively become a litmus test for the long-term project and depth of the Premier League’s elite clubs. With the fourth-round draw looming, both Liverpool and Arsenal look well-positioned to make a deep run in the competition, provided they can maintain the tactical discipline and squad rotation balance they displayed in these opening rounds.
