Alexis Mac Allister produced another moment of supreme quality at Anfield to fire Liverpool into the lead against Tottenham Hotspur in their EFL Cup third-round tie. Just after the 20-minute mark, the 27-year-old midfielder met the ball on the edge of the penalty box and unleashed a breathtaking first-time strike straight into the top corner. Mac Allister delivered when Liverpool needed his experience most, showing his class with a magnificent goal that followed his brilliant strike against Atletico Madrid last week. The Argentina number 10 continues to let his performances speak for themselves after recently voicing his displeasure over not being awarded a contract extension during the summer.

While Mac Allister provided the emphatic finish, the opening goal was manufactured by the sheer wizardry of Rio Ngumoha. The young Liverpool winger demonstrated magic feet and immense guile on the flank, leaving Spurs defender Udogie with far too much to handle before setting up the strike. Joe Gomez, making his first start of the season as he worked off some expected rust, also played a key role in the buildup to the goal. Ngumoha had already unlocked the Tottenham defense earlier in the half, threading a pass through to Lewis Koumas, whose effort was turned away by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Tottenham had named a strong starting side and began the match aggressively, missing a golden opportunity to take the lead in the early exchanges. A cross fell to the feet of Lucas Bergvall inside the penalty area, but Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili produced a stunning stop to deny the midfielder. Spurs continued to press in search of an opener, but Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez complemented his bright bursts forward with solid defensive work, highlighted by an impressive recovery challenge inside the box to deny Omar Marmoush.

Liverpool’s side featured a composed mix of youth and defensive authority. Deployed in the deep-lying midfield role, 19-year-old Trey Nyoni didn’t put a foot wrong once he adjusted to the pace of the game and Tottenham’s fast start. At the back, on-loan Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo displayed great composure, standing as the only Liverpool player to keep his place from Saturday’s goalless draw against Fulham. Alongside Gomez and Kerkez, Araujo ensured Liverpool withstood early pressure before Mac Allister’s moment of individual brilliance tipped the balance at Anfield.