Liverpool player ratings vs Southampton: Hugo Ekitike’s red card mars late Carabao Cup winner as Alexander Isak nets first goal

Giorgi Mamardashvili (6/10):

A decent debut for the Georgian, who saw more action than he probably would have expected. Made a couple of decent stops and looked comfortable on crosses.

Jeremie Frimpong (5/10):

A pretty underwhelming display from the Dutchman, who was lax defensively and pretty poor with his passing. Didn't get much better after being moved onto the wing in the second half.

Giovanni Leoni (7/10):

Making his Liverpool bow but looked like he'd been lining out for the Reds for years. The giant Italian teenager was unsurprisingly dominant in the air and very accomplished on the ball. Such a shame that he was forced off through injury in the 80th minute as he really did look ready for more first-team action.

Joe Gomez (4/10):

The versatile England international was excellent during his recent cameo against Arsenal but he looked miles off the pace here. Lucky that a couple of very awkward clearances didn't end up in the back of his own net, while it was his sloppiness that presented Southampton with two gilt-edged chances in the first half - and the corner that led to their leveller.

Andy Robertson (7/10):

Given the captain's armband for the evening and performed with his usual level of tenacity in defence. Also played a beautiful ball over the top for Chiesa to lay on the winner for Ekitike.

Wataru Endo (5/10):

The Japan international was his usual dynamic self in front of the back four, winning duel after duel. Also involved in a couple of neat passing moves further upfield. However, his disastrous attempted clearance gifted Southampton their equaliser.

Curtis Jones (6/10):

A first start since returning to injury and unsurprisingly kept the ball well - even if he didn't do anything especially creative with it. Taken off just before the hour mark. All things considered, another small step forward for the fit-again Scouser.

Trey Nyoni (5/10):

Deployed in the more advanced role in Slot's midfield three but the youngster struggled to create any real openings. Still, his passing was very tidy.

Federico Chiesa (8/10):

The Italian is still struggling for regular game time in the Premier League but he really does look much fitter and sharper this season. Had already tested McCarthy with a terrific drive before creating Isak's goal with his awareness and quick cutback. Bagged another assist in his best Liverpool performance to date after a killer first touch to control Robertson's pass before leaving Ekitike with a tap-in.

Alexander Isak (7/10):

His first big chance probably came a little too early for him but he made no mistake when teed up by Chiesa just before the break. Also showed how much of a threat he's going to be down the channels with one exciting show of pace on the left flank.

Rio Ngumoha (6/10):

Lacked an end product but the 17-year-old really is a tremendous dribbler. Looked capable of making something happen every time he got on the ball.

Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

Took over up front from Isak at half-time and squandered a great cross from Chiesa by heading wide when well-placed, before making amends by deciding the game in Liverpool's favour. However, all of the headlines will rightly focus on his idiotic decision to remove his shirt in celebration. Despite Ekitike's fine form, it's now advantage Isak in the battle for the striking berth in Slot's line-up.

Conor Bradley (6/10):

Replaced Jones in the 58th minute and slotted into his usual right at right-back, as Frimpong moved further forward.

Jayden Danns (N/A):

Only came on for Ngumoha for the final 13 minutes.

Milos Kerkez (N/A):

Thrown on in place of the injured Leoni late on.

Arne Slot (6/10):

Wisely decided to make 11 changes to his starting line-up and he would have been so happy with how Leoni performed before his enforced withdrawal. Starting with Isak before bringing on Ekitike also looked to have worked perfectly until the French forward spoiled everything! This weekend's game at Selhurst Park just got a whole lot harder - even if most of Slot's key men will be well-rested.