Introduction
Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the League Cup with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, adding to the pressure surrounding Spurs after a difficult opening to the 2026-27 Premier League season.
On the same night, Arsenal produced another strong performance in the competition as they defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road. The headline performer was 16-year-old Max Dowman, who scored twice and also created a goal for Mikel Merino.
The contrasting results made for an eventful night in the League Cup. Liverpool continued their unbeaten start under manager Andoni Iraola, while Tottenham’s early cup exit leaves Roberto De Zerbi facing further questions after a disappointing opening to his first season in charge.
For Arsenal, the victory provided another opportunity to demonstrate the depth of their squad, while Dowman’s performance offered supporters another glimpse of a young player attracting considerable attention.
Liverpool Beat Tottenham 3-1 at Anfield
Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Tottenham ended Spurs’ hopes of using the League Cup as an early-season opportunity to build confidence.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the first half before Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s advantage after the interval. Tottenham pulled one goal back through Conor Gallagher, but Dominik Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s two-goal cushion with a spectacular late strike.
The result sent Liverpool through to the fourth round of the competition.
Liverpool’s victory was particularly notable because Iraola made 10 changes to the side that had played in the Premier League. Despite the extensive rotation, the team maintained enough quality and intensity to overcome Tottenham.
According to reporting from the match, Liverpool’s young players also made useful contributions, with Lewis Koumas receiving recognition for his performance.
Mac Allister Gives Liverpool the Lead
Liverpool took control of the match in the 21st minute.
A flowing attacking move created space for Rio Ngumoha, who found Cody Gakpo. Gakpo then set up Alexis Mac Allister, allowing the Argentine midfielder to strike first time and beat Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The goal gave Liverpool an early advantage and forced Tottenham to chase the game.
Mac Allister’s finish was one of the important moments of the match because Tottenham had started with attacking intent but failed to turn their opportunities into a goal.
Liverpool, meanwhile, demonstrated the efficiency that can make them difficult to handle even when they rotate their starting lineup.
Gakpo Doubles Liverpool’s Advantage
Liverpool continued to threaten after the break and eventually extended their lead.
Cody Gakpo scored in the 54th minute, producing a well-placed strike into the far corner.
At 2-0, Liverpool appeared to have established a comfortable position.
Tottenham had chances to respond, but Liverpool’s ability to turn their opportunities into goals proved important.
The second goal also increased the pressure on Spurs, who needed to find a response if they were to remain in the competition.
Gallagher Gives Spurs Hope
Tottenham eventually found a way back into the match.
Conor Gallagher scored in the 69th minute after Liverpool failed to deal with a corner effectively. The goal was significant because it gave Tottenham a chance of forcing the game into a more competitive final period.
It was also Tottenham’s first goal against a top-flight opponent this season, according to the reporting surrounding the match.
For a short period, Spurs had renewed hope.
However, they were unable to find an equaliser.
Szoboszlai Seals Liverpool’s Progress
Dominik Szoboszlai ended Tottenham’s hopes in stoppage time.
The Liverpool midfielder produced a powerful effort from around 25 yards that found the net and restored Liverpool’s two-goal advantage.
The strike provided a dramatic finish to the match and secured Liverpool’s place in the fourth round.
The goal was widely highlighted as one of the memorable moments of the evening, with reports describing it as a spectacular long-range effort.
Liverpool’s Squad Rotation Pays Off
One of the most interesting aspects of Liverpool’s victory was the extent of the changes made by Iraola.
Liverpool entered the game with a demanding schedule ahead, making squad management important.
The manager’s decision to rotate the team provided opportunities for players who might otherwise receive fewer minutes.
Despite the changes, Liverpool retained enough attacking quality to score three goals.
The result therefore offered useful information about the depth available to the Liverpool manager as the season develops.
Liverpool Remain Unbeaten
The League Cup victory also extended Liverpool’s unbeaten start under Iraola.
However, their early Premier League record has included several draws, meaning the club’s cup progress comes at a time when the team is still developing under its new manager.
The League Cup can provide additional competitive opportunities for squad players and younger members of the team.
Liverpool will now turn their attention back toward their league campaign before continuing their cup journey in the next round.
Tottenham’s Difficult Start Continues
For Tottenham, the defeat added to a difficult beginning to the season.
The club entered the Liverpool match without a Premier League victory in its opening four league games.
Spurs had lost twice and drawn twice in those matches and had not scored a league goal during that sequence, according to the reporting available after the Liverpool match.
Their only victory of the season before facing Liverpool had come in the League Cup against second-tier Charlton Athletic.
That made the match at Anfield particularly important for a team looking for confidence.
Instead, Tottenham exited the competition.
De Zerbi Faces Pressure to Find a Response
Roberto De Zerbi arrived at Tottenham with the challenge of rebuilding a team that had struggled during the previous seasons.
Spurs finished 17th in each of the previous two Premier League campaigns, including avoiding relegation on the final day of last season.
The club subsequently invested heavily in its squad, bringing in 10 new players for more than £300 million since the end of the previous campaign, according to AFP reporting carried by Dawn.
The spending raised expectations around the team.
However, results have not yet matched the scale of the investment.
The League Cup defeat means Tottenham must now concentrate entirely on their league campaign and other competitions still available to them.
Tottenham’s New Signings Need Time
Major squad changes rarely produce instant results.
Tottenham have introduced a large number of new players, and building understanding between them can take time.
Players must become familiar with tactical instructions, teammates’ movement and the demands of the manager.
At the same time, the club’s early results mean there is little room for an extended adjustment period.
The defeat at Anfield therefore creates another challenge for De Zerbi as he attempts to establish a more consistent Tottenham side.
Richarlison’s Situation Adds Another Issue
Tottenham’s problems were also accompanied by an off-field issue involving Richarlison.
The striker expressed his frustration on social media after being left out of the squad for the Liverpool match, according to reporting from Dawn and AFP.
Richarlison has reportedly been seeking a move, but potential transfers involving Everton and Vasco da Gama had recently fallen through.
The situation adds another layer of uncertainty around the Tottenham squad.
For De Zerbi, managing both performances and squad dynamics will be an important part of the job during the coming weeks.
Spurs Now Turn to Aston Villa
Tottenham’s next Premier League fixture provides an immediate opportunity to respond.
They are scheduled to host Aston Villa on September 19.
The match comes before the international break and therefore carries importance for Tottenham’s short-term momentum.
A strong result could give the team some breathing room, while another disappointing performance would keep attention firmly on the club’s difficult start.
The League Cup defeat means Tottenham no longer have the possibility of using the competition as an immediate route toward a trophy.
Arsenal Cruise Past Ipswich
While Liverpool were eliminating Tottenham, Arsenal were producing a convincing performance against Ipswich Town.
The Gunners won 4-2 at Portman Road and moved into the fourth round of the League Cup.
Mikel Arteta made nine changes from the side that had defeated Sunderland in the Premier League.
Despite the rotation, Arsenal controlled much of the match.
The biggest story, however, was the performance of Max Dowman.
Max Dowman Scores Twice
The 16-year-old midfielder made his first appearance of the season and immediately attracted attention.
Dowman opened the scoring in the seventh minute.
He received the ball, used quick footwork to move past Cedric Kipre and then produced a composed finish.
It was his second goal for Arsenal after previously scoring against Everton in March.
His performance showed why he has been regarded as a promising young player since making his breakthrough at a very young age.
Dowman Adds a Second Goal
Dowman was not finished.
He scored again shortly after the start of the second half.
Martin Zubimendi supplied the pass, and Dowman finished the move to make it 3-0.
Scoring twice in a senior competitive match at 16 is a notable achievement.
Reuters reported that Dowman became only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a single match for a Premier League club, matching a feat previously achieved by Wayne Rooney in 2002.
The performance immediately placed Dowman among the major talking points from the League Cup third round.
Madueke Adds to Arsenal’s Lead
Noni Madueke also found the net.
The Arsenal winger scored in the 16th minute, firing a low effort past Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton from inside the penalty area.
Madueke’s goal came during a period when Arsenal were creating sustained pressure.
With Dowman and Madueke contributing in attack, Arsenal established a comfortable advantage before half-time.
Merino Completes Arsenal’s Fourth
Mikel Merino scored Arsenal’s fourth goal in the 58th minute.
The goal came after another contribution from Dowman.
The teenager supplied the pass for Merino, who curled his shot into the net.
That meant Dowman finished the match with two goals and an assist.
For a player making his first appearance of the season, it was an impressive contribution to Arsenal’s progression in the competition.
Ipswich Score Two Late Goals
Ipswich did not stop competing despite Arsenal’s four-goal advantage.
Anis Mehmeti scored in the 62nd minute to give the home side a response.
Chuba Akpom then added another goal during stoppage time.
The two goals reduced the margin, but Ipswich could not seriously threaten Arsenal’s overall control of the match.
Arsenal therefore secured a 4-2 victory and moved into the next round.
Arteta’s Careful Approach to Dowman
Arteta has been managing Dowman’s involvement carefully.
At just 16 years old, the midfielder remains at an early stage of his senior career.
The Arsenal manager has gradually introduced him rather than immediately placing him under the pressure of regular Premier League football.
The League Cup provides an opportunity for young players to gain senior experience in competitive matches.
Dowman’s performance against Ipswich demonstrated what he can contribute when given the opportunity, while Arsenal’s management will still need to consider his development over the longer term.
Arsenal Continue a Perfect Start
The victory over Ipswich maintained Arsenal’s perfect start to the 2026-27 campaign.
Reuters reported that the club had now won all six of its matches in all competitions this season.
The League Cup result also gives Arsenal another opportunity to compete for silverware.
Arsenal lost last season’s League Cup final to Manchester City, meaning the competition represents another chance to go further this time.
Arsenal’s Squad Depth on Display
The number of changes made by Arteta was significant.
Nine players were brought into the starting lineup compared with the team that had played Sunderland.
Yet Arsenal still produced four goals.
That suggests the club has a wide selection of players capable of contributing when called upon.
The League Cup can be particularly useful for developing young players and providing match experience to members of the squad who may not start every Premier League game.
A Night of Young Talent and Experienced Players
The two matches highlighted different aspects of squad building.
Liverpool relied on a heavily rotated lineup and still produced a strong result against Tottenham.
Arsenal also made numerous changes and gave an important opportunity to Dowman.
Experienced players such as Mac Allister, Gakpo, Szoboszlai and Merino made decisive contributions, while younger players also gained valuable minutes.
This combination can be important during a long domestic season involving multiple competitions.
Other League Cup Results
Liverpool and Arsenal were not the only teams to progress.
Fulham defeated West Ham United 3-2 despite making nine changes.
Rodrigo Muniz, Cesar Palacios and Oscar Bobb scored for Fulham, with Bobb producing the winning goal in the 78th minute.
Brentford also advanced after defeating third-tier Reading 2-1.
Callum Wilson and Fabio Carvalho scored for Brentford.
Peterborough United progressed after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Barnsley following a 3-3 draw.
More Third-Round Matches to Come
The League Cup third round continues beyond the Tuesday matches.
Manchester United are scheduled to face Brighton and Hove Albion, while Aston Villa travel to Coventry City.
Everton will face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Defending champions Manchester City are scheduled to host Norwich City on Thursday.
These matches will determine the remaining teams joining Liverpool and Arsenal in the fourth round.
Why the League Cup Matters
The League Cup provides Premier League clubs with an additional route toward domestic silverware.
For teams with large squads, it also creates opportunities to rotate players.
Young footballers can gain senior experience, while established players returning from injury or competing for a starting position can receive valuable minutes.
For clubs experiencing difficult league campaigns, the competition can also offer another opportunity to build momentum.
For Tottenham, that opportunity has now disappeared for this season.
Liverpool’s Next Challenge
Liverpool can now focus on their Premier League campaign while waiting for the fourth-round draw.
Their victory against Tottenham demonstrated that the squad can cope with significant rotation.
However, the demands of the league season remain considerably greater, with every Premier League fixture contributing directly to the club’s position in the table.
Iraola will therefore need to continue balancing competitive results with player workload.
Arsenal’s Next Challenge
Arsenal also move forward with significant momentum.
The club’s early-season winning run provides a strong platform, while the emergence of Dowman gives Arteta another player to monitor.
However, a single League Cup performance does not automatically determine a young player’s long-term role.
Dowman’s development will likely be managed carefully as Arsenal balance his potential with the demands of senior football.
What the Results Mean for Tottenham
Tottenham’s elimination is particularly significant because of the club’s current league position.
The team entered the match under pressure after failing to win any of its opening four Premier League fixtures.
The League Cup offered a separate competition in which Tottenham had already secured one victory.
Losing to Liverpool means the club must now find improvement primarily through its league campaign and its remaining competitions.
The upcoming match against Aston Villa will therefore attract considerable attention.
What the Results Mean for Arsenal
Arsenal’s victory has a different context.
The club remains unbeaten and has won all six of its matches in all competitions this season.
The performance also highlighted the depth available to Arteta.
Most importantly, Dowman’s two goals and assist demonstrated that Arsenal’s younger players can make a meaningful contribution when given opportunities.
The next challenge will be maintaining that momentum across the Premier League and cup competitions.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s 3-1 League Cup victory over Tottenham and Arsenal’s 4-2 win against Ipswich were two of the major stories from Tuesday’s third-round action.
Liverpool advanced after goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. Tottenham responded through Conor Gallagher but could not force the match level.
For Spurs, the result extends a difficult start to the season. The club remains without a Premier League win after four matches and has now lost its League Cup opportunity. Roberto De Zerbi will need to focus on improving the team’s results as Tottenham prepare to host Aston Villa.
At Portman Road, Arsenal produced a 4-2 victory over Ipswich, with Max Dowman becoming the central figure of the night. The 16-year-old scored twice and assisted Mikel Merino, while Noni Madueke also found the net.
The results underline the value of squad depth in a demanding domestic season. Liverpool’s heavily rotated team progressed against Tottenham, while Arsenal’s young players and squad members took their opportunity against Ipswich.
With the fourth round ahead, both Liverpool and Arsenal remain in the League Cup, while Tottenham’s campaign in the competition has come to an early end. The next stages will provide further opportunities for clubs to compete for one of England’s major domestic trophies.