Mac Allister and Gakpo underline Liverpool value against Spurs

Alexis Mac Allister continued his resurgence with a goal and an assist as Liverpool beat Tottenham, while Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai also made decisive contributions in a performance that sent Liverpool into the next round.

Mac Allister had already made an impact against Atletico Madrid with a winning goal, and he followed that up less than a week later by scoring again against Spurs. The midfielder lifted the ball into the roof of the net after good work from Rio Ngumoha, setting the tone for a Liverpool side that also included young midfielders Trey Nyoni and James McConnell.

The result mattered beyond the immediate progress in the competition. Liverpool had dropped Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch to the bench after a goalless draw with Fulham, leaving Mac Allister to lead an unfamiliar midfield. The Argentina international responded with a composed display and another major attacking contribution.

Mac Allister and Gakpo make their case

Mac Allister’s recent form has come after a difficult period in which he said Liverpool had informed him that the club were not in a position to offer him a new contract. Ahead of the Atletico Madrid match, he spoke of being pleased to see Szoboszlai and Gravenberch extend their deals, while also admitting his own situation made him sad.

His response on the field has been emphatic. After scoring the winner against Atletico, he again found the net against Tottenham and later created Liverpool’s second goal. Mac Allister assisted Gakpo, who bent a strike past Tottenham goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka in the second half.

Gakpo’s contribution was particularly notable given the scrutiny around his form last season and uncertainty over his future during the summer transfer window. Tottenham and Manchester City had both attempted to sign the forward, according to the source, but Liverpool did not find a replacement and Gakpo stayed.

The forward then added an assist in stoppage time for Szoboszlai, whose long-range strike from 30 yards completed Liverpool’s trio of goals. Head coach Andoni Iraola praised the quality of the finishes after the match, calling the third goal “a worldie” and saying that Szoboszlai’s shooting range gives teammates confidence that he can score from distance.

“The three goals we scored were very good goals,” Iraola said. “The origin of the first and second goals are also very important for us but the third goal is a worldie, it is outstanding.”

Szoboszlai has had difficult moments in Iraola’s midfield system despite being Liverpool’s standout performer last season, but his strike underlined the value of his ball-striking ability. His influence, together with Mac Allister’s growing form and Gakpo’s finish, gave Liverpool the attacking edge they needed.

Encouraging signs despite Tottenham threat

Liverpool did not have a flawless night defensively. Tottenham scored for the first time since Aug. 26 when Conor Gallagher headed in from a corner during the second half. Spurs had earlier chances as Lucas Bergvall forced a save from Giorgi Mamardashvili, while Mohammed Kudus fired over from close range.

Mamardashvili was also called upon to make a notable second-half save from Omar Marmoush, although the goalkeeper could have done better for Tottenham’s goal. Elsewhere, Nyoni and McConnell impressed in midfield, Lewis Koumas worked relentlessly in attack, and fullbacks Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong produced improved displays.

Iraola said he was satisfied with Liverpool’s intensity and aggressiveness, as well as the side’s right to advance. For Liverpool, however, the most significant takeaway was the continued impact of Mac Allister. His goal, assist and leadership of a changed midfield showed why his return to form could be central as the season develops, while Gakpo’s contribution offered another reminder of his ability to decide matches.