Liverpool captain Andy Robertson has called Hugo Ekitike “silly” for being dismissed for taking off his shirt against Southampton and said he would be “very surprised” if the striker does not learn from the incident.
On as a half-time replacement for British-record £125 million signing Alexander Isak, Ekitike emulated the Sweden international by striking from a Federico Chiesea pass but then received a second yellow card for removing his top, having been booked eight minutes after coming on for kicking the ball away.
Hugo Ekitike puts Liverpool back in front!
The forward is sent off for a second bookable offence after taking his shirt off in celebration! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/zLvbU9R4kh
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025
“The first one was stupidity,” Robertson told Sky Sports, discussing Ekitike’s cautions after the Scotland international deputised in the 2-1 EFL Cup third round home win for established skipper Virgil van Dijk, who was rested.
“Scoring a goal is always emotional but he’s obviously forgotten he’s been booked. It’s silly but he’s only young and he’ll learn from it. I’m sure he won’t do it again.”
Liverpool vs Southampton: Isak goal for Reds
Isak opened the scoring two minutes before half-time with his first goal since the 26-year-old’s protracted move from Newcastle, for whom he was the second-top scorer in last season’s Premier League behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool have been building Isak’s fitness after he only played for the first time this season on September 17, sending him back out at half-time against Southampton for sprints.
Alexander Isak opens his account for Liverpool! ✅ pic.twitter.com/bth0Kq6yJU
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025
“That was a new one,” said Isak. “It was funny… got to be fit. I feel good — I feel fit. It was good to get minutes but it’s a competitive game so the main aim is to win.
“It’s a great team to be a part of and it’s only going to get better.”
Alexander Isak ‘looks fit’ — Robertson
Southampton have won one of their first six second-tier games of the season but were on course for penalties after Shea Charles fired in from close range in the 76th minute, only for Ekitike’s fifth goal of the season to send Liverpool through.
The Premier League leaders have now taken the lead after the 82nd minute in six of their seven matches in all competitions this season.
“We can’t keep relying on it,” said Robertson. “We weren’t anywhere near the standards. You could see a few of the lads hadn’t played. We weren’t good enough in the press and weren’t intense enough.
Shea Charles levels for Southampton! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/07Rt0kp9AW
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 23, 2025
“I’m delighted to have [Isak] in the door. It’s all about strikers getting the first goal. The pressure’s on them, which is maybe unfair.
“He looks fit to me. The sports scientists, maybe, think a little bit differently.”
Both teams are next in action on Saturday (15:00 BST / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT), when Liverpool visit fifth-placed Crystal Palace in the top flight and Southampton host Championship leaders Middlesbrough.
Liverpool team vs Southampton
Liverpool starting XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Andy Robertson, Trey Nyoni, Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Alexander Isak, Rio Ngumoha
Liverpool substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Rhys Williams, Kaide Gordon, Kieran Morrison, Tommy Pilling, Jayden Danns
Southampton team vs Liverpool
Southampton starting XI: Alex McCarthy, Elias Jelert, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Joshua Quarshie, Ryan Manning, Flynn Downes, Caspar Jander, Adam Armstrong, Leo Scienza, Cameron Archer
Southampton substitutes: George Long, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Shea Charles, Kuryu Matsuki, Ryan Fraser, Tom Fellows, Jay Robinson, Ross Stewart, Damion Downs
When is the EFL Cup fourth round draw?
The draw for the next round will take place after third-tier side Port Vale host Arsenal on Wednesday, September 24.
Presenter Simon Thomas will host the ceremony alongside former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp and ex-Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown.
What time is the EFL Cup fourth round draw?
Arsenal vs Port Vale starts at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), which means the draw should take place shortly before 22:00 BST (17:00 ET / 14:00 PT), depending on the amount of added time in the game and whether it requires penalties, which will take place if it is level after 90 minutes.
Ball numbers will be confirmed by the EFL on the morning of the draw.
How to watch the EFL Cup fourth round draw: TV channel, live stream
The draw will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra and can be streamed on Sky GO.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
