ISAK OPENS LIVERPOOL ACCOUNT AS CHELSEA SURVIVE LINCOLN SCARE IN LEAGUE CUP

Read Time:2 Minute, 56 Second

Agency Report

Alexander Isak marked his first goal for Liverpool to inspire a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the League Cup third round on Tuesday, while Chelsea avoided embarrassment with a hard-fought win against third-tier Lincoln.

Isak, signed from Newcastle in a British-record £125 million deal, struck in the 43rd minute after Federico Chiesa intercepted a poor pass from Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and set up the Swedish striker. It was a timely belated birthday gift for the 26-year-old, who was later substituted at half-time as he builds fitness following his late transfer.

Southampton hit back in the 76th minute through Shea Charles, who pounced on a defensive error from Wataru Endo. But substitute Hugo Ekitike spared Liverpool from a penalty shoot-out, firing home Chiesa’s pass in the 85th minute before being dismissed for celebrating with his shirt off.

The win maintains Liverpool’s flawless start to the season, with seven consecutive victories across all competitions.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea endured a scare against League One side Lincoln in their first meeting since 1911. A defensive lapse allowed Rob Street to put the visitors ahead in the 42nd minute, capitalising on Enzo Fernandez’s sloppy pass.

However, Tyrique George equalised just after the interval with a stunning strike off the post, before Facundo Buonanotte weaved through Lincoln’s defence to seal a 2-1 comeback win for Enzo Maresca’s men.

Elsewhere, Burnley suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Cardiff after manager Scott Parker fielded a completely changed side. Goals from Joel Colwill and Callum Robinson put the visitors in control, with Zian Flemming’s second-half strike proving only a consolation.

Wolves eased their struggles with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Everton, thanks to goals from Marshall Munetsi and Toluwalase Arokodare, while Brighton demolished Barnsley 6-0 at Oakwell with Diego Gomez netting four times.

Fulham also advanced, edging Cambridge 1-0 at Craven Cottage through Emile Smith Rowe’s 66th-minute strike.