Arne Slot was left fuming despite Liverpool’s late win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup, branding Hugo Ekitike’s red card “stupid and needless.”
The Reds won 2-1 at Anfield in dramatic fashion, with Alexander Isak scoring his first goal for the club since his £130m summer move from Newcastle, before Ekitike netted a late winner.
But the Frenchman ruined his night by picking up a second yellow for removing his shirt during his celebration, ruling him out of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
Isak breaks his duck
Isak finally got off the mark in Liverpool colours, capitalising on Federico Chiesa’s pressing to slot home after a mix-up from goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
The record signing’s strike gave Anfield lift, especially after Southampton had gone close when Adam Armstrong rattled the bar earlier.
Teenage talent Rio Ngumoha also impressed on his full debut, following up his extra-time heroics against Newcastle in the previous round with another lively display.
Ekitike’s chaos
Southampton levelled in the 76th minute through Shea Charles, exposing Liverpool’s shaky defense. But Ekitike restored the lead late on with an unselfish display from Chiesa.
However, his decision to celebrate by tearing off his shirt, infuriated his manager.
After the game, Slot said: “It was stupid, not smart. He’s suspended now, and that’s not ideal. If it were me, I’d have celebrated by pointing to Chiesa for the assist. But he took off his shirt, emotion, yes, but needless.”
Ekitike later apologised on Instagram, admitting: “Emotion got the better of me. My apologies to the Red family.”
Liverpool advance, but Slot has plenty to fix as his side continue to lurch between brilliance and chaos in the early weeks of the season.
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