Liverpool 2-1 Southampton EFL Cup result: Hugo Ekitike scores the winner and is sent off as Alexander Isak nets first Reds goal at Anfield

Hugo Ekitike was sent off after netting a late winner as Alexander Isak scored his first goal for the club in Liverpool’s narrow 2-1 victory over Southampton in the third round of the EFL Cup.

The Frenchman came off the bench to tap home Federico Chiesa’s unselfish lay-off five minutes from time before earning a second yellow for taking off his shirt in celebration.

The Saints had threatened to take the tie to penalties when substitute Shea Charles capitalised upon an error from Wataru Endo to level on 76 minutes.

The night had been all about Isak up until that point as the Swedish striker marked a 45-minute cameo with a clinical strike just prior to the break following another cut back from Chiesa.

A much-changed Liverpool made hard work of progressing, but got the job done to maintain their bid for a record-extending 11th title in this competition.

Next up, Liverpool visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday with Ekitike suspended for that clash at Selhurst Park.

Southampton host Middlesbrough in the Championship. 

Speaking on ITV the former Reds defender said: "I think Southampton will be kicking themselves, with a bit more belief in the second half they could have done something tonight."

He continued: "Liverpool weren’t at it at all today, but they’ve got that mentality (to win)…"

On the winning goal, he added: "These are the moments. The class of these passes that cuts defences open... Chiesa had no option but to put it on a plate. Ekiitke wasn’t going to mess it up from there."

On the red card, he said: "It's silly. I think he forgot about it (the first yellow card). He'll be kicking himself, absolutely."

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Liverpool 2-1 Southampton.

The Saints are pressing but haven't really troubled that Reds rearguard and time is rapidly running out now.

Manning cautioned for dissent.

Ekitike will now be suspended for the PL match at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

That's a significant blow for Slot and co.

Six minutes added.

Jelert and Edwards off.

Fellows and Stewart on.

The Frenchman took his shirt off while celebrating and gets a second yellow!

Liverpool are down to 10 men!

The forward tucks home after Chiesa raced onto Robertson's pass and unselfishly cut the ball back for his teammate to score.

Southampton look just as likely with time running out before penalties at Anfield.

Meanwhile, the crowd offer warm applause for Leoni as he is stretchered off.

The physios continue to work on the Italian, with the suggestion a splint is being put on his knee.

Kerkez on for the injured Leoni.

Robertson will switch to centre back for the final moments of this match.

Leoni is down after appearing to bang his head and hurt his knee following a fall.

Ekitike should restore Liverpool's lead but flashes a header wide from a left-wing cross.

The Saints are level!

Endo makes a horrible mess trying to defend a deep right-wing corner. It's touched back in for Charles to coolly tuck home from close range.

Ngumoha off, Jayden Danns on.

Liverpool's supporters wanted to avoid a nervy finale, but Southampton have stood firm and are now beginning to suggest they may have a late push in them...

However, Southampton remain very much in the tie with the score still just 1-0 heading into the final stanza.