Carabao Cup: Rotated Liverpool side eases past struggling Tottenham

Andoni Iraola made 10 alterations to the team that drew 0-0 with Fulham on Saturday, with Ronald Araujo the only player to keep his place. Joe Gomez captained the visitors on his first appearance of the campaign.

"I made a lot of changes but I think I needed to do it," said Iraola.

"We lacked a bit of energy the other day and we needed fresh legs and I am happy that all the players have given us energy and aggressiveness."

Alexis Mac Allister gave Liverpool the lead in the 21st minute, finding the top corner with a side-footed finish after the ball broke to him just outside the penalty area. Giorgi Mamardashvili had earlier denied Lucas Bergvall with a fine stop.

Cody Gakpo added a second shortly after half-time, finishing off a well-constructed move after being supplied by Mac Allister.

Andy Robertson was introduced soon afterwards, receiving a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd on his first return since departing Liverpool during the off-season.

Tottenham, managed by Roberto de Zerbi, pulled a goal back in the 69th minute when Conor Gallagher turned Mateus Fernandes' corner into the net.

Spurs subsequently created chances to level, but Mamardashvili made another excellent save to keep out Omar Marmoush, while Savio shot wide from inside the box.

Dominik Szoboszlai finally settled the contest in stoppage time, controlling the ball with his chest before hammering a 25-yard effort into the net, with the strike likened to a Steven Gerrard-esque thunderbolt.

"I don't know if the [moment Spurs' attack will] click is on Saturday because we have enough qualities to score many goals with these players," said De Zerbi. "It is a tough moment but we have to be stronger."

Tottenham's elimination means they have now lost three of their six matches in all competitions this season, with their sole victory coming against Charlton in the previous round.