Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Sep 24: Alexander Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool to inspire a 2-1 League Cup third-round win against Southampton, while Chelsea survived a scare against third-tier Lincoln on Tuesday.
Isak, making his third appearance since his British record £125 million ($169 million) move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s short pass was intercepted by Federico Chiesa, who set up the Sweden striker to fire home. The goal also doubled as a belated birthday gift for Isak, who turned 26 on Sunday.
The former Newcastle striker, who scored in last season’s League Cup final against Liverpool, was substituted at half-time to build fitness after missing pre-season training. Championship side Southampton equalised in the 76th minute through Shea Charles after a misdirected header from Liverpool’s Wataru Endo.
Substitute Hugo Ekitike secured Liverpool’s win in the 85th minute, finishing Chiesa’s pass. The French striker was sent off for a second bookable offence after celebrating by removing his shirt.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who made 11 changes from the Everton game, said, “Not our best performance. You can expect that if you play a completely new team. So many players that haven’t played for a long time. There were positives. Giorgi Mamardashvili had a good game in goal. A first goal for Alexander and another from Hugo.”
Chelsea faced an upset scare after manager Enzo Maresca rotated eight players following their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. Lincoln took the lead in the 42nd minute after Enzo Fernandez’s careless pass inside his penalty area was intercepted by Ivan Varfolomeev, who headed to Rob Street for a composed finish past Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea equalised three minutes into the second half through Tyrique George’s half-volley. Facundo Buonanotte then put them ahead in the 50th minute, weaving through Lincoln’s defence before slotting home. Maresca said, “I told the players it would not be an easy game. That is why I was so annoyed in the first half. But overall, they did well in the end.”
Burnley suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat against third-tier Cardiff. Joel Colwill and Callum Robinson scored for the visitors, while Zian Flemming’s 56th-minute strike was not enough to save the Clarets.
Wolves lifted spirits at Molineux with a 2-0 win over Everton. Marshall Munetsi scored in the 29th minute, and Toluwalase Arokodare added a second in the 87th. Diego Gomez netted four times as Brighton thrashed third-division Barnsley 6-0 at Oakwell, while Emile Smith Rowe’s 66th-minute goal sent Fulham past fourth-tier Cambridge 1-0 at Craven Cottage.