There was more Anfield misery in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, as Tottenham succumbed to a mightilly frustrating 3-1 defeat and exited the competition in the third round.
The fanbase collectively rolled their eyes when this was draw was made off the back of a feel-good trouncing of Championship outfit Charlton Athletic, knowing full well what tends to happen when the Lilywhites make the trip to the red half of the Mersey.
There was at least a goal to celebrate for those who travelled, but Conor Gallagher's header proved to be merely conciliatory when Dominik Szoboszlai thundered home Liverpool's third in stoppage time, completing a trio of wonderful finishes from the home side.
The result and cup exit arrives at an inopportune moment for Roberto De Zerbi, who, like his opposite number, made an array of changes to his starting lineup. His team created enough to win this cup tie outright, but were this time undone by several outstanding Giorgi Mamardashvili saves at critical junctures.
Ultimately, games are decided in the boxes, and that's where Spurs are continuing to fall flat. There's a good team in here somewhere, and the performances of Mateus Fernandes and James Maddison off the bench were certainly encouraging.
However, it's a results-oriented world, and De Zerbi desperately needs a big one before the international break.
Spurs player ratings from Carabao Cup exit at Anfield
We exit the Carabao Cup. pic.twitter.com/sDqRo0s7k2
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 15, 2026
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Martin Dúbravka (GK): 5/10 – Not the sort of goalkeeper who instils calm in the build-up, even if he isn't hopeless with the ball at his feet. Not much he could've done about the goals.
Archie Gray (RB): 5/10 – Wasn't particularly fond of Gray's defending throughout. Hesitant.
Tosin Adarabioyo (CB): 7/10 – Looks like a bit of a lumberer, but I was nonetheless impressed with Tosin at Anfield. No issues in the air, and far better with the ball than many gave him credit for upon his arrival.
Marcos Senesi (CB): 4.5/10 – His line-breakers shouldn't mask the general messiness of his performance.
Destiny Udogie (LB): 7/10 – De Zerbi's carefully managing the Italian and understandably so. He wasn't withdrawn before the hour mark based on his performance, because he certainly won his duel with youngster Rio Ngumoha. Udogie was a threat going forward, too.
Midfielders
Rodrigo Bentancur (CM): 5/10 – The Uruguayan's bright run of form came to an end at Anfield, with Bentancur particularly struggling to protect Tottenham's defence.
Lucas Bergvall (CM): 7/10 – Some good and bad. Had to score in the opening exchanges. Feels like he's going to be 'raw' his entire career, but can't fault his endeavour.
Conor Gallagher (AM): 5/10 – 75 minutes of Conor Gallagher on a Tuesday night wasn't fun, but he did at least nod home from half a yard out.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (RW): 6/10 – Kudus is still feeling his way back in, having spent so long on the sidelines. Spurned one of Spurs' two big first half chances.
Omar Marmoush (ST): 7/10 – He's a really good footballer, and some of his receptions were lovely. Was the most likely to make something happen for the visitors all night. Encouraged.
Mathys Tel (LW): 4/10 – Tel made Jeremie Frimpong look like a competent right-back, which I can assure you he isn't. This wasn't a performance that'll get the critics off his back.
Substitutes
- Mateus Fernandes (57' for Bentancur): 7/10
- Andy Robertson (57' for Udogie): 6/10
- Sávio (75' for Kudus): 6.5/10
- James Maddison (75' for Gallagher): 6.5/10
- Dominic Solanke (85' for Tel): N/A
Spurs' player of the match: Destiny Udogie
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