Liverpool's quality of finishing proved to be the difference between the two sides, with Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and substitute Dominik Szoboszlai each producing outstanding finishes. Tottenham, on the other hand, struggled to capitalise on their chances, with Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus squandering opportunities in the first half.
Tottenham dominated possession and controlled the tempo in the early stages, but they failed to capitalise on their chances. Liverpool gradually turned proceedings their way, with Lewis Koumas leading the line with aggression and industry. The 20-year-old came close to opening the scoring, but Tottenham's keeper Martin Dubravka did just enough to smother his effort.
Liverpool's quality of finishing was on full display when Mac Allister produced an unstoppable long-range finish for the second midweek in succession at Anfield. A flowing Liverpool move started with Joe Gomez's long ball to Gakpo, who switched play from the left to Rio Ngumoha on the right. Udogie's attempt to intercept the winger's run succeeded only in putting the ball on a plate for Mac Allister as he arrived unmarked on the edge of the area.
Tottenham's issues are not confined to the Premier League, as they struggled to capitalise on their chances in the Carabao Cup. De Zerbi's side started at a furious pace against Merseyside opposition, controlling the tempo, dominating possession, and failing to capitalise when in the ascendancy. A lack of ideas in the final third and poor finishing when they did break through the Liverpool defence showed Spurs' issues are not confined to the Premier League.
Liverpool responded to Tottenham's goal with a third of their own in stoppage time. Szoboszlai let Gakpo's flick roll off his chest before thumping a fabulous shot past Dubravka from 25 yards. The result sees Liverpool advance to round four of the Carabao Cup, while Tottenham's miserable start to the season continues.