Liverpool player ratings vs Southampton: One 4/10 and Ekitike daft despite winner

Liverpool left it late yet again on a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Southampton with 10 men to move into the Carabao Cup fourth round. Half-time substitute Hugo Ekitike netted his fifth goal in a red shirt since joining in the summer andthen received a red card for taking his shirt off while celebrating. That was after already picking up a booking for dissent. But the Reds hung on to triumph 2-1 at Anfield and secure their spot in Wednesday night's draw.

Alexander Isak had earlier scored his first Liverpool goal before half-time but his opener was cancelled out by Shea Charles late on in the 76th minute. Just as Southampton hope of a cup upset grew, Ekitike tapped in from a Federico Chiesa square ball with just four minutes to play before receiving his marching orders for a second yellow card. There was added disappointment for Arne Slot when debutant Giovanni Leoni was stretchered off with a knee injury the Premier League champions will fear is a serious one. Express Sport rates Liverpool after a dramatic night on Merseyside...

Liverpool player ratings vs Southampton

Giorgi Mamardashvili - 7

Denied Adam Armstrong early and fast off his line to close the angle when the striker hit the bar. Dealt well with crosses and was let down by his defence for the goal.

Jeremie Frimpong - 5

A shaky first half where he struggled on the ball. Moved into midfield when Conor Bradley came on and settled more second half but still not his best night.

Giovanni Leoni - 7

An encouraging debut ended in potential disaster as he was stretchered off down the tunnel in agony. Before then, he'd looked far more composed than Joe Gomez in a confident display. Helped deny Leo Scienza an open goal when the Southampton attacker headed a rebound wide thanks to the covering Italian. Liverpool will be praying his injury isn't serious.

Joe Gomez - 4

Terrible on the ball. Gave it away for multiple first-half chances and guilty of some poor long-range passing. Improved for the first 20 minutes of the second half only to become sloppy again after that. It was his wayward pass that led to the corner the Saints scored from. An excellent late tackle when Charles threatened to score in injury time.

Andy Robertson - 6

Captained Liverpool on the night and offered the kind of sturdiness a player of his experience should defensively. Brilliant long ball set Chiesa through on goal when Ekitike scored.

Wataru Endo - 5

Typically combative to snap into tackles opposing players and used the ball well. But then it was his woeful header that led to Southampton's equaliser from a corner he should have easily cleared.

Curtis Jones - 6

A steady performance. Good work to set up the first-minute Isak chance and floated across the pitch to regularly pick up the ball and set Liverpool away on the attack.

Federico Chiesa - 8

The kind of performance he needed. Worked hard defensively and consistently threatening in the final third. Forced a good save from McCarthy with a low shot and brilliant to win the ball back and find Isak for his goal. Should have had an assist when Ekitike headed wide - then made sure the Frenchman couldn't miss a little later with an excellent run and sideways pass for the winner.

Trey Nyoni - 5

Unable to truly get into the game and rarely picked up the ball in dangerous areas. Perhaps needs more senior football at this level - perhaps a Championship loan in January?

Rio Ngumoha - 6

Always game to go at his man and one good drive and cross resuled in a blocked Chiesa shot in the first half. But a very raw overall display from the exciting teenager. Was well marshalled by Elias Jelert.

Alexander Isak - 7

Had a shot saved inside the first minute which he probably should have scored and then looked short of sharpness in other moments. Given a second chance before half-time, made amends with a smart finish. Subbed at half-time after a warmdown on the pitch.

Substitutes

Hugo Ekitike (Isak 46) - 6

Some beautiful touches and just looked so sharp. After heading wide from a Chiesa cross, tapped into an empty net from the Italian's squared ball. But was sent off for taking his shirt off while celebrating - having seemingly forgotten he was on a yellow. Gets knocked down a mark for the fact he now, ridiculously, faces a suspension.

Conor Bradley (Jones 57) - 6

Regularly roamed forward from his right-back role. Left Shea Charles onside for the Southampton equaliser.

Jayden Danns (Ngumoha 74) - 6

His first-team appearance since January. Some lovely close control to keep the ball in one stoppage-time moment.

Milos Kerkez (Leoni 81) - 6

Defended very well when Liverpool were down to 10 men.