Alexander Isak opened his Liverpool account to inspire a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the League Cup third round, while Chelsea narrowly avoided an upset against third-tier Lincoln on Tuesday.
Isak, making his third appearance since completing a British record £125 million move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, netted in the 43rd minute after Federico Chiesa intercepted a poor pass from Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and squared for the Sweden striker to fire home. The goal was a belated birthday present for Isak, who turned 26 on Sunday.
The forward, who had scored for Newcastle in their League Cup final win over Liverpool last season, was substituted at half-time as he builds fitness following a disrupted pre-season.
Championship side Southampton equalised in the 76th minute through Shea Charles, who finished from close range after a wayward header from Wataru Endo. Substitute Hugo Ekitike spared Liverpool a penalty shootout, finishing off Chiesa’s pass in the 85th minute before being sent off for a second bookable offence after taking off his shirt in celebration.
Liverpool have now won seven straight matches this season — five in the Premier League, one in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, and this League Cup tie — under new boss Arne Slot.
Chelsea Survive Scare
Chelsea came from behind to edge past Lincoln 2-1 after a defensive error gifted the third-tier side the lead in the 42nd minute. Ivan Varfolomeev intercepted a careless pass from Enzo Fernandez inside the Blues’ penalty area, heading on to Rob Street, who slotted past Filip Jorgensen.
Enzo Maresca’s side equalised three minutes after the break through Tyrique George’s half-volley off the post. Facundo Buonanotte completed the comeback in the 50th minute with a dazzling solo run and finish.
Elsewhere, Burnley crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to third-tier Cardiff, Wolves beat Everton 2-0 to lift the gloom at Molineux, Brighton thrashed Barnsley 6-0 thanks to Diego Gomez’s four goals, and Fulham edged Cambridge 1-0 with an Emile Smith Rowe strike.
