Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both netted braces as Liverpool began their Carabao Cup title defence with a commanding 5-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield.
Despite an early scare, the holders powered back to secure a spot in the fourth round.
West Ham took a surprising lead when Wataru Endo’s attempted clearance ricocheted off teammate Jarell Quansah and into the net. However, the lead was short-lived, with Diogo Jota heading home an equaliser just four minutes later, courtesy of a clever assist from debutant Federico Chiesa.
Jota struck again early in the second half after a well-timed pass from Curtis Jones, putting Liverpool ahead. West Ham’s appeals for a handball penalty against Joe Gomez were waved away in a controversial moment without VAR, which only applies from the semi-finals onwards.
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Despite Max Kilman missing a chance to level the score for West Ham, substitute Mohamed Salah pounced on a rebound to make it 3-1. West Ham’s night worsened when Edson Alvarez was sent off for a second yellow card. Cody Gakpo then added two late goals to complete the rout, sealing a tough night for the visitors and their manager Julen Lopetegui.
Liverpool will now face Brighton in the fourth round of the competition.
