Alexander Isak opened his Liverpool account as the Reds defeated Southampton 2-1 in the League Cup third round on Tuesday, while Chelsea came from behind to edge third-tier Lincoln 2-1 in a tense clash.
Isak, signed from Newcastle on transfer deadline day for a British record £125 million, netted his first goal in Liverpool colours on his third appearance. The Swedish striker capitalised on a mistake from Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who misplaced a pass that Federico Chiesa intercepted before squaring for Isak to finish clinically in the 43rd minute. The goal arrived two days after Isak’s 26th birthday and marked an important moment for the forward, who had drawn blanks in his first two outings.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot made wholesale changes from the side that beat Everton in the Premier League, and Southampton equalised in the 76th minute through Shea Charles after Wataru Endo’s misplaced header. However, substitute Hugo Ekitike restored the lead in the 85th minute, finishing Chiesa’s assist to spare the Reds from a penalty shoot-out. Ekitike was sent off moments later for excessive celebration after removing his shirt, but Liverpool held on to secure progression and maintain their perfect start to the season with seven wins in all competitions.
At Sincil Bank, Chelsea survived a major scare against Lincoln City in their first meeting in more than a century. The home side took the lead in the 42nd minute when Enzo Fernandez’s careless pass gifted possession to Ivan Varfolomeev, who combined with Rob Street to beat Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea, who had suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Bayern Munich, responded early in the second half through Tyrique George, whose half-volley struck the post before bouncing in. Minutes later, Facundo Buonanotte produced a superb solo run to put the Premier League side in front. The Blues managed to see out the game despite Lincoln’s late pressure, avoiding a shock elimination.
Elsewhere, Burnley crashed out after a 2-1 home defeat to Cardiff City, with Joel Colwill and Callum Robinson scoring in the first half before Zian Flemming’s reply proved insufficient. Wolves ended their poor run with a 2-0 win over Everton thanks to goals from Marshall Munetsi and Toluwalase Arokodare. Brighton advanced in emphatic fashion as Diego Gomez netted four goals in a 6-0 demolition of Barnsley, while Emile Smith Rowe’s strike secured Fulham a 1-0 victory over Cambridge United at Craven Cottage.
