Liverpool player ratings are Doak, Quansah and two more big men against Leicester
Theo Squires’ Liverpool performance after a 3-1 Carabao Cup third round win over Leicester City at Anfield
Ben Doak fights for the ball during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City
Ben Doak fights for the ball during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City
Liverpool made it seven consecutive wins in the Carabao Cup when they beat Leicester City 3-1. The World Series high-flyers made a dream start at Anfield when Kasey McAteer scored in front of the Kop after just three minutes. And despite the Reds’ best efforts, it stayed that way until half-time. But Liverpool equalized just three minutes after the restart, Cody Gakpo scoring after Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch’s play. Reds boss Jürgen Klopp then brought two big guns from the bench in Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai. And it was Szoboszlai who made the biggest difference. The midfielder fired home an unstoppable strike to give Liverpool the lead in the 70th minute, before Diogo Jota put the final score in doubt with a smart goal in the 89th minute, following excellent work from Jarell Quansah. Caoimhin Kelleher 7
One-on-one scoring opportunities were few and far between. Played the ball well with his feet in difficult conditions. Little more to do. Read one situation well to win the ball in front of Kelechi Iheanacho. Finished the night as captain. Curtis Jones 7
A proud night for the Scouser to lead his boyhood club, even in an unfamiliar position. Got forward well, looked comfortable in the middle and outside and saw one shot blocked. But Kasey McAteer played in the opening round. Submitted. Ibrahim Known 7
An experienced centre-back with a head, fought for every ball and earned Kop cheers for one big challenge on Iheanacho in the first half and a goal-saving challenge on Wilfred Ndidi. Jarell Quansah 8
Great tackle on McAteer in the box moments after Liverpool took the lead and then a great pass to Jota. Strong in the air and won several challenges. Doesn’t look out of place in the first team at all. Costs Tsimikas 7
Enter that number of dangerous crosses and goals, only to be disallowed, though perhaps not legally, for the counter-attack that led to Leicester’s opener. Got the guard’s gloves in one fell swoop. Harvey Elliott 7
A mature performance as he matched well with Ben Doak. Sent one ambitious effort. Carried the ball forward well and always wanted to be involved and with the ball, passing it well. The scream of punishment waved away. After the first few subs progressed and a late try was blocked off the line. Wataru Endo 7
Moments after Leicester’s opener, a shot from the edge of the box narrowly misses. Passed the ball well. A much better performance from the Japanese national team player and claimed Szoboszlai’s goal. Ryan Gravenberch 7
A frustrating first half in terms of signing deadline. Didn’t see much of the ball and gave it away too often when he had it. Improved after the break and Gakpo was set up with a smart pass. Submitted. Ben Doak 8
It was cleared from close range by both the crossbar and the keeper and an early penalty flew after contact from Justin in the first half. Played a couple of really smart passes and crosses in the final third after the break before coming off.
Cody Gakpo 8
A man possessed in the second half, scored a well-taken equaliser and headed against the bar. Had been unfortunate not to equalise after Conor Coady cleared his powerful header off the line. Worked hard defensively when needed, and a constant threat when running forward.
Diogo Jota 7
A frustrating night for the Portuguese but still got his goal. A great chance to equalize was missed when the ball stuck at his feet with an open goal. Touch brought him down twice in the final third, but still managed to get on the scoreboard with the cheekiest movie late.
SUBS
Dominik Szoboszlai (Doak, 65) 8
Fired Liverpool ahead within five minutes after he set off in front of the Kop with a rocket. A special goal by a special player. Then almost did it again late. Darwin Nunez (Gravenberch, 65) 7
A very lively cameo from the Uruguayan, although he did not get on the score sheet. A flurry during his 25-minute performance saw two attempts narrowly missed.
Stefan Bajcetic (Jones, 79) N/A
More minutes in the legs after a long-term injury. Luke Chambers (forward in Tsimika, 90) N/A
A night for the youngster as he makes his Liverpool debut.