Isak Nets Debut Liverpool Strike in League Cup Triumph, Chelsea Overcome Lower League Threat
Alexander Isak found the net for the first time for Liverpool to secure a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the third round of the League Cup, as Chelsea managed to avoid an upset against League Two outfit Lincoln on Tuesday evening.
Isak was featuring in his third outing for Liverpool after completing his UK record £125 million ($169 million) transfer from Newcastle on the final day of the window.
The 26-year-old forward had yet to score during his 58-minute bow against Atletico Madrid and also drew a blank when introduced as a substitute for the closing 23 minutes of Saturdays Merseyside derby success against Everton.
However Isak broke his duck in the 43rd minute when Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy attempted a short distribution that was robbed by Federico Chiesa, who then teed up the Swedish international to slot home.
This strike served as a delayed birthday gift for Isak, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday.
Having previously netted for Newcastle in their League Cup final triumph over Liverpool last term, Isak was withdrawn at the interval to manage his conditioning, having sat out pre-season amid drawn-out transfer talks.
Championship outfit Southampton levelled matters in the 76th minute through Shea Charles close-range effort following a misplaced header by Liverpools Wataru Endo.
Arne Slot rotated his entire lineup from the Everton clash, yet it fell to substitute Hugo Ekitike to rescue the backup squad from spot-kicks by converting Chiesas through ball in the 85th minute.
The French forward removed his jersey in celebration, earning a second yellow and subsequent red card.
Liverpool have enjoyed a flawless opening to the campaign with seven straight victories, comprising five in the Premier League that has propelled them to the summit alongside a Champions League success over Atletico Madrid.
"That was not our sharpest display. It comes as no surprise with a totally fresh lineup and several players short of recent minutes," Slot commented.
"Still plenty of encouragement. Giorgi Mamardashvili impressed between the posts. A landmark goal from Alexander and one more from Hugo."
Chelsea Hold Firm
Chelsea risked a damaging elimination after manager Enzo Maresca shuffled eight players following Saturdays 2-1 reversal at Manchester United.
Facing Chelsea for the first time since 1911, Lincoln grabbed the opener in the 42nd minute via a defensive error from the hosts.
Enzo Fernandezs loose pass in his own box was snapped up by Ivan Varfolomeev.
Varfolomeev nodded it to Rob Street, who calmly directed a 12-yard effort beyond Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea had dropped their previous two matches to United and Bayern Munich.
Yet Tyrique George restored parity just three minutes after the restart with a half-volley that ricocheted off the upright.
Facundo Buonanotte then edged Maresca side ahead on 50 minutes, weaving past Lincoln defenders before clinically finishing.
"I warned the squad it would be tough. That is why I was frustrated at half-time, knowing we had more to offer. In the end though they delivered," Maresca reflected.
Burnley suffered an unexpected 2-1 loss to League One Cardiff at home.
Clarets head coach Scott Parker suffered for fielding a completely different XI from the previous weekends encounter with Nottingham Forest.
Cardiffs Joel Colwill poked in the opener after 30 minutes, with Callum Robinson doubling the Welsh sides lead shortly after.
Zian Flemmings response on 56 minutes proved insufficient to prevent Burnleys embarrassment.
Wolves eased tensions at Molineux courtesy of a 2-0 success over Everton.
Vitor Pereiras squad languish at the foot of the Premier League table after five defeats in their elite division fixtures.
Marshall Munetsi opened the scoring with a 29th-minute prod, while Toluwalase Arokodare sealed it with an 87th-minute chip.
Diego Gomez claimed a hat-trick plus one as Brighton demolished League One Barnsley 6-0 on their patch.
Emile Smith Rowes strike in the 66th minute advanced Fulham 1-0 versus League Two Cambridge at Craven Cottage.