We are now seven games into the 2025/26 season, and incredibly, Liverpool have opened up with a magnificent seven. Their haul of seven wins means they have made the perfect start to the campaign, but if that suggests an easy ride, the truth is rather different.
They have won six of those games only thanks to late winners. The only exception to that came in the Merseyside derby, when they went 2-0 up in the first half and, for a change, did not allow their opponent to draw level. Even in that game, they gave supporters a minor fright but held on to win 2-1.
However, it was back to the old routine in the EFL Cup. Predictably, Arne Slot made several changes to the side that started against Everton. In fact, he made XI, although it can hardly be classed as a weak team with about £225m of summer signings on display. Alexander Isak got his first start for the club, as did keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Southampton were the opponents at Anfield, and the visitors made a great start. In the first period, they had more shots, better chances and a superior xG. But Liverpool edged the only stat that matters, Isak netting his first goal for the club after 43 minutes. Assisted by Federico Chiesa, the Swede profited from a bad error by the Saints keeper, and the home fans would have expected an easy win at that stage.
Liverpool, who swapped Hugo Etikite for Isak at the break, bringing another £70m or so of playing talent onto the pitch in the process, were better in the second half. However, Southampton bagged an equaliser after 76 minutes. Sub Shea Charles took advantage of some terrible Liverpool defending to put his side right back in the game.
For all Liverpool’s late-goal prowess, it was the Championship club that looked more threatening after their equaliser. Or they did until a fine flowing move from the hosts ended with another assist for Chiesa and a simple finish for Etikite. That made it 2-1, with 85 minutes gone, and despite Etikite seeing red for the most foolish of reasons (removing his shirt to celebrate having already been booked for dissent), the Reds held on for another win.
Injury Mars Night
Giovanni Leoni faces months out with a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee, according to Sky in Italy 🚨 pic.twitter.com/qv4xMxMpU8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 24, 2025
The fans went home happy with yet another late winner and progression in the cup. However, the night was marred somewhat, certainly as far as the manager was concerned, by a serious injury to youngster Giovanni Leoni. The Italian central defender joined in the summer for an initial fee of £26m (with add-ons of around £5m) and looked assured during his Liverpool debut after his summer move from Parma.
However, Leoni was forced off after 81 minutes of the game following a collision with the advertising hoardings. It looked bad, and it was initially feared he would be out for months with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. On Friday, it was revealed that things were just about as bad as they could be. The 18-year-old is expected to be out for a full year, having torn his ACL.
It is a terrible blow for the youngster, and it is hoped his recovery is speedy and complete. For now, Slot is left with just three recognised centre backs. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez make an excellent trio but if one of those gets injured, the Reds will be forced to go into games without a replacement centre back on the bench. The late breakdown of the move for Marc Guehi may prove to be far more costly to the club than it first seemed, and Slot may be forced into a January move for reinforcements.
Onwards to the Last 16
As bad as the night was for Leoni, Liverpool must now march onwards. Their 2-1 victory earned them a spot in the last 16, and following the final third-round games on Wednesday, the 24th of September, the draw was made for the last 16. The Reds are set to face Crystal Palace on the 29th of October. The game will take place at Anfield, with the Reds out for revenge after their Community Shield loss to the Eagles. On home soil, they should have too much for Palace, although the London club are a fine outfit under Oliver Glasner.
Palace won the FA Cup last year, so they proved they have what it takes to beat anyone, as they also did in the Community Shield. Liverpool lost the final of the EFL Cup to Newcastle last term, too, so they will be even more determined to go one better this year. They are the record winners of the EFL Cup, having lifted it 10 times, most recently in 2024. Can they make it 11 this season? Time will tell.