Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Premier League rivals Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup last night
Hugo Ekitike over celebrated his goal, something which turned out to be costly for his side as he was sent off after being showed a second yellow card

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Premier League rivals Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup last night.

Summer signing Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the Reds in the first half, but a late goal by substitute Hugo Ekitike turned out to be the difference in the game after Southampton had levelled the scores with 15 minutes left to play.

Ekitike over celebrated his goal, something which turned out to be costly for his side as he was sent off after being showed a second yellow card. The Frenchman knew he would be booked for taking his shirt off but seemingly forgot that he had already received a yellow card.

Ekitike will miss Liverpool’s next English Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, which is not something ideal for him considering he’s fighting for the number nine position with Isak, who is slowly regaining full fitness. The 23-year-old arrived at Anfield in July for £69 million and has showed his worth by scoring crucial goals for the Reds at the start of the new season.

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Despite the defending Premier League champions signing Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, Ekitike has been the main man on the frontline. He has scored three goals in five games, helping Arne Slot’s side win every match they have played this season since the defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield in August.

Ekitike received needless yellow cards during the match against Southampton and would be the one to blame if his side had lost the match after being reduced to ten men. He received his first yellow card earlier in the second half for throwing the ball in the air after being penalized for a foul.

Ekitike Apologizes For Letting Emotions Get the Better of Him

The Frenchman apologized to Liverpool fans after the game, stating that his emotions got the better of him.

“The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my team-mates for this victory!” Ekitike wrote on social media after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the third round of the Carabo Cup.

However, he’ll still need to have a word with Arne Slot, who was left bemused by his actions on the pitch.

“It is not [stupid] because it was his second [yellow] – it’s stupid even if you haven’t had a yellow card yet… If I went past three players and put it in the top corner then maybe you can say ‘this is all about me’. But if I scored a goal like he did tonight, I would turn to Chiesa and say ‘it’s about you Federico.” Arne Slot said, according to BBC Sport.

Hugo Ekitike was showed a second yellow card for overcelebrating his goal during the Carabao Cup third round match against Southampton on Tuesday night. The Frenchman will miss the Reds’ Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this coming weekend. Photo/ SPORTbible.

Isak’s time on the pitch has been carefully managed by manager Slot since joining Liverpool. He has only started two times for the Reds, both in cup competitions. Also, he has only played one Premier League game, which was against Everton over the weekend. He entered the match, which his side won 2-1, in the 67th minute.