London, Sep 24 (AP) — Hugo Ekitike's jubilation was short-lived after scoring a decisive goal for Liverpool, putting them through to the third round of the English League Cup on Tuesday with a late victory over Southampton. Ekitike, however, was shown a red card for his shirtless celebration, which means he will miss Saturday's Premier League match against Crystal Palace, as confirmed by Liverpool.
Scoring in the 85th minute from close range, Ekitike secured a 2-1 win at Anfield just as second-tier Southampton was inching toward a penalty shootout. Yet, his elation quickly turned as he was sent off, receiving a second yellow card for his exuberant celebration.
This goal marked Ekitike's fifth strike in eight appearances since joining the reigning Premier League champions from Eintracht Frankfurt this offseason for a hefty $93.5 million.
Liverpool initially took the lead courtesy of Alexander Isak, who notched his first goal for the club following his British record $170 million transfer from Newcastle. Shea Charles found the net in the 76th minute to equalize for 19th-positioned Southampton in the Championship.
As the game seemed destined for a shootout, Liverpool once again manifested a late-game miracle, achieving a winner in the final 10 minutes for the sixth instance this season.
"It wasn't the best performance, which is somewhat expected when you field an entirely new team," reflected manager Slot, who ushered in 11 changes from the squad that defeated Everton on Saturday.
In other League Cup action, Chelsea sidestepped a giant-killing act by mounting a comeback to defeat third-tier Lincoln City 2-1.
Isak opens his tally
The newly christened most expensive player in British soccer history, Alexander Isak, initiated his repayment of the massive fee by scoring his inaugural Liverpool goal, a deftly executed close-range effort in the 43rd minute.
In what was only his second start, following a complicated transfer from Newcastle impacting his preseason, Isak was substituted at halftime. Slot is mindful of integrating him gradually this early in the season.
With Ekitike facing suspension, Isak might find himself thrust into a starting role against Crystal Palace.
"It was exhilarating to contribute my first goal here at Anfield," Isak expressed to ITV. "Each game helps enhance my condition and readiness. It's a blend of getting fit and refining my football skills. I feel in good shape for making meaningful contributions."
Liverpool's joy was tempered with concern as defender Giovanni Leoni was stretchered off following an awkward fall during a late tackle. "He's understandably distressed because it felt immediately bad, but we're in the process of assessing the situation," Slot stated.
Chelsea weathers a storm
World champions merely two months ago, Chelsea found themselves trailing at third-tier Lincoln City in September.
Having gone into halftime 1-0 down, Chelsea reversed their fortunes after the break, with quick goals from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte.
This League Cup season has already witnessed significant upsets, notably fourth-tier Grimsby's prior triumph over Manchester United. When Rob Street's 42nd-minute goal put Lincoln ahead, another upset seemed possible.
However, Chelsea responded strongly, with George equalizing just three minutes into the second half and Buonanotte securing the win shortly afterward.
Elsewhere, Burnley faced a differing fate, falling 2-1 at home against Cardiff. Brighton, however, enjoyed a one-sided victory over Barnsley, triumphing 6-0, highlighted by Diego Gomez's first-half hat trick and four total goals.
Despite winless league form, Wolves triumphed over Everton 2-0, while Fulham dispatched Cambridge 1-0.
Wrexham's record-signing Nathan Broadhead netted twice in a 2-0 victory against Reading.
When is the 4th round draw?
The draw for the fourth round will occur on Wednesday, following the conclusion of the third-round fixtures. (AP) AM AM AM
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