Iraola impressed by Liverpool energy in EFL Cup win over Spurs

Andoni Iraola said the energy shown by his much-changed Liverpool side was a major positive following their 3-1 EFL Cup win over Tottenham.

Iraola made 10 changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, with Ronald Araujo the only survivor in his lineup.

But they claimed their eighth straight victory in EFL Cup third-round ties, with Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scoring either side of half-time to put them 2-0 up.

Conor Gallagher's header got Spurs back into the contest, and the visitors caused some nervy moments for the hosts as Omar Marmoush and Savio missed good chances late on, before Dominik Szoboszlai's 30-yard screamer made the result safe in stoppage time.

Liverpool only had 12 shots to Tottenham's 17 and lost the expected goals (xG) battle by 1.53 to 2.34, also having a mere 43.6% possession share. 

But Iraola was pleased with large aspects of his team's display, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am pleased with the performance. 

"I think there were different phases in the game but overall, I liked the energy. I am happy because we are in the next round.

"I think at 2-0, they had to take a risk and try to win some territory. We were defending well but conceding a lot of set-pieces and when they scored that put us under some pressure. 

"Luckily for us, we found a way to score a third and finish the game properly."

Szoboszlai's goal alone was worth the price of admission, as he allowed the ball to bounce before sending a spectacular strike whistling past Martin Dubravka and into the top-right corner – that shot only had an xG value of 0.03. 

"With Dom, when he shoots, he always has a chance to score," Iraola said of the Hungary international. 

"With him, you believe, because he has done it before. He is a great finisher."

Tuesday's game was also notable for Andy Robertson's return to Anfield, as he came on as a substitute for Tottenham, just over three months after leaving Liverpool.

The left-back, who won nine trophies and made 378 appearances in nine years with the Reds, received a standing ovation from all four corners of the ground.

Asked about that reception, Iraola said: "I think he deserves all this, I was happy. He has given so much to Liverpool."

Liverpool are back in action on Sunday, as they visit Iraola's former club Bournemouth in their final Premier League game before the international break.