Liverpool entered the Carabao Cup third‑round clash with Southampton as a near‑unknown eleven, a bold gamble from Dutch boss Arne Slot. The manager had promised a "completely changed lineup" after the Reds’ opening league win, and he delivered with eleven fresh faces on the pitch.
Why Slot chose to rewrite the whole team
Slot’s philosophy is simple: give the squad minutes before the season gets too crowded. With a packed Premier League calendar, a Champions League run and domestic cups looming, resting six regular starters – the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah – felt like a smart move. It also answered a question many fans asked after the first game: can the club rely on its academy and fringe players when big matches arrive?
The decision paid off instantly. Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili earned his first competitive start, standing tall between the posts while the defense featured debutant Giovanni Leoni alongside Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez and captain Andy Robertson. In midfield, Wataru Endo finally got his season debut, paired with Curtis Jones and the promising youngster Trey Nyoni. Up front, Swedish striker Alexander Isak led the line, flanked by Federico Chiesa and the versatile Rio Ngumoha.
But Slot didn’t just hand the youngsters a free ride. He surrounded them with experienced heads on the bench – Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley and French striker Hugo Ekitike – plus academy prospects Kieran Morrison, Kaide Gordon and Jayden Danns. The mix of youth, experience and fresh energy gave the squad a competitive edge that many pundits had doubted.
Match drama: goals, a red card and a narrow win
From the first whistle, the game felt like a test of composure. Isak broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, slotting a low finish that sparked the home crowd. The goal was more than a statistic; it marked the Swedish forward’s first strike for the Reds, cementing his place in Slot’s future plans.
Southampton, coached by Will Still – his fifth consecutive opponent as a new manager – refused to roll over. The Saints, languishing 19th in the Championship after a recent 3‑1 loss to Hull City, struck back through S Charles in the 76th minute. The equaliser raised eyebrows across Anfield, reminding everyone that even a rotated side could be tested.
Enter Hugo Ekitike, the bench import who had been making waves in the French league. He came on, slotted a decisive finish in the 85th minute and gave Liverpool a cushion they needed. The celebration was short‑lived, however; just a minute later, the French forward was shown a red card for a reckless challenge, leaving the Reds to protect their lead with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the makeshift back four held firm, and the final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 victory. The win extended Liverpool’s perfect start under Slot and underscored the depth that has long been a hallmark of the club’s philosophy.
Beyond the scoreline, the match offered a glimpse into the club’s future. Players like Leoni and Mamardashvili now have a taste of Anfield pressure, while youngsters such as Nyoni and Ngumoha proved they can handle high‑stakes minutes. For Slot, the success validates his belief that the team can rotate without sacrificing results, a crucial advantage as the season’s workload intensifies.
Southampton’s journey also adds an interesting subplot. Will Still’s tenure has seen a revolving door of managers at Liverpool, with five consecutive matches under five different bosses. The Saints, despite their league woes, showed they could still trouble the giants, hinting at a competitive cup run if they maintain focus.
Looking ahead, the Reds will likely tighten the rotation for upcoming league fixtures, but the message is clear: the squad depth is more than just numbers on a payroll. It’s a living, breathing unit capable of stepping up when the first‑team stars need rest. As the Carabao Cup progresses, Liverpool fans have a new reason to be optimistic – not just about trophies, but about the talent bubbling beneath the surface.
Write a comment