Liverpool began their Carabao Cup defense with a convincing 5-1 victory over West Ham United at Anfield. The Reds, who lifted the League Cup last season for a record tenth time, showcased their dominance in a match that saw Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both net two goals, along with a late strike from Mohamed Salah.
The match took a surprising turn when West Ham took an early lead with an own goal from Jarell Quansah. However, Liverpool quickly leveled the score through Jota, who scored after a clever setup by Gakpo. Following Jota’s equalizer, the home side controlled the game, with Salah and Gakpo contributing to the scoreline after Edinson Alvarez received a red card for West Ham, further diminishing their chances of a comeback.
Jota’s impressive performance included his first double since January, reinforcing his importance in the attack. Manager Arne Slot noted the team’s control during the match, particularly in the first half when they maintained significant possession.
West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, expressed disappointment over the result, pointing out that his team did well in parts of the game but ultimately struggled after going down to ten men. He stressed pride in his players despite the loss and emphasized the need for improvement as the season progresses.
The draw for the Carabao Cup fourth round was announced shortly after the final whistle, with Liverpool set to face Brighton among other notable matchups. This victory sets a strong tone for Liverpool’s pursuit of another Cup trophy under their new manager, Slot.