​Liverpool’s Young Guns Impress as Tottenham Are Beaten at AnfieldLiverpool 3–1 Tottenham – EFL Cup Post-Match ReportBy Steven SmithLiverpool returned to winning ways at Anfield with a deserved 3–1 victory over Tottenham in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, with Andoni Iraola making several changes and handing opportunities to several younger players. some frustration of a draw with Fulham, a reaction was required and the Reds provided one.This was not a perfect performance, with Tottenham enjoying 56 per cent possession and registering 17 shots compared with Liverpool’s 12, but there was considerably more energy, purpose and determination from Iraola’s side.Most importantly, several players given an opportunity showed exactly why competition for places needs to be increased.The Starting ElevenLiverpool XIGK – Giorgi MamardashviliRB – Jeremie FrimpongCB – Joe Gomez (c)CB – Ronald AraújoLB – Milos KerkezCM – Alexis Mac AllisterCM – Trey NyoniCM – James McConnellRW – Rio NgumohaLW – Cody GakpoCF – Lewis KoumasSubstitutes UsedJérémy Jacquet → Joe Gomez (45’)Ryan Gravenberch → Trey Nyoni (62’)Dominik Szoboszlai → James McConnell (62’)Bradley Barcola → Rio Ngumoha (72’)Alexander Isak → Lewis Koumas (86’)GoalsLiverpool 1–0 Tottenham – Alexis Mac Allister – 21’Liverpool 2–0 Tottenham – Cody Gakpo (Alexis Mac Allister) – 54’Liverpool 2–1 Tottenham – Conor Gallagher (Mateus Fernandes) – 69’Liverpool 3–1 Tottenham – Dominik Szoboszlai (Cody Gakpo) – 90+1’Match StatisticsPossession – Liverpool 44% | Tottenham 56%Total Shots – Liverpool 12 | Tottenham 17Shots on Target – Liverpool 5 | Tottenham 6Fouls – Liverpool 15 | Tottenham 11Corners – Liverpool 5 | Tottenham 9First HalfThe first half was a much more encouraging response from Liverpool following the disappointment against Fulham.Iraola made significant changes, with Joe Gomez captaining a side containing Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Rio Ngumoha, while Cody Gakpo was moved into a wide attacking role.Tottenham started with intent and Mamardashvili was called upon early, producing an excellent save to keep the scores level.Liverpool gradually grew into the contest and found the breakthrough after 21 minutes.Alexis Mac Allister produced a superb finish, arriving at the right moment before placing the ball into the top corner.The goal gave Liverpool greater confidence, while Nyoni was increasingly influential in the deeper midfield role.That was one of the most important elements of the evening.After the problems identified against Fulham, Nyoni provided a genuine anchor in front of the defence. He looked comfortable receiving possession, moved the ball intelligently and showed the positional discipline required from somebody operating deeper.James McConnell also worked tirelessly, while Lewis Koumas provided energy and physicality across the attacking line.Liverpool went into half time ahead, and