Ekitike’s Red-Card Blunder Overshadows Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Win

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton should have been remembered for the debut goals of their record signing Alexander Isak, but instead it was overshadowed by a costly lapse in judgment from Hugo Ekitike, Sport360NG reports.

The French striker struck the decisive goal in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s 2-1 victory, only to tarnish his night seconds later by removing his shirt and holding it aloft to the Anfield crowd. Already on a booking, the celebration earned him a second yellow and a dismissal, ruling him out of Saturday’s league clash with Crystal Palace.

Ekitike later apologised on social media, writing:
“I was overjoyed to score and help us secure another win at home in my first Carabao Cup appearance. The emotion got the better of me, sorry to the Red family, my team-mates, and thank you to the fans for their support.”

Manager Arne Slot, however, was unimpressed with his forward’s decision-making.
“Even if you haven’t been booked, it’s a silly thing to do,” he said. “Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but if I scored after such a brilliant assist like Federico Chiesa’s tonight, I’d point to him, not to myself. It wasn’t smart at all. Fortunately, the team still saw the result through, but now he’s suspended, and that’s far from ideal.”

Ekitike, signed for £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, has quickly become a key figure while Isak has been eased into action. He has three goals and an assist in five league outings, helping Liverpool maintain a perfect record since their Community Shield defeat to Palace in August. But both yellow cards against Southampton were avoidable, the first for tossing the ball away after conceding a foul.

Former striker Chris Sutton described the dismissal on BBC Radio 5 Live as “sheer stupidity,” adding: “He’s been brilliant for Liverpool so far, a great start to his career here. But that’s not what Arne Slot needs before the weekend.”

Slot himself admitted the 22-year-old will learn quickly. “He probably forgot he was already booked. He’s young, he’ll take this lesson on board, and I’d be surprised if he ever repeats it.”

The silver lining for Liverpool is the growing sharpness of Isak, who started the first half against Southampton before making way at the break. His minutes have been carefully managed since his big-money arrival, with just one Premier League cameo so far.

Isak spurned an early chance but did find the net, and afterwards insisted he was edging closer to full match fitness.
“I feel better with every game I play,” he said. “It’s hard to say if I’m fully ready to start, but I’m in good enough shape to make an impact.”

With Ekitike now suspended, the spotlight could fall on Isak to lead the line from the outset at Selhurst Park.