Which games Hugo Ekitike will miss for Liverpool after 'stupid' Southampton sending off
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Liverpool got the win in the Carabao Cup, but it has come at a significant cost.
The Reds maintained their 100% winning start to the season with their victory over Southampton in the third round of the cup, but it was a lot harder than they would have hoped.
After being pegged back to 1-1, Liverpool left it late yet again to find the winner, with this coming from substitute Hugo Ekitike.
The Frenchman had yet another impressive cameo, but this was overshadowed by a ridiculous red card that saw him last just 40 minutes on the pitch.
The striker got a second yellow for taking his shirt off in his celebration, with this having huge implications for the Reds going forward.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
No one was really surprised when Ekitike found the back of the net when he came off the bench due to just how good he has been since he arrived through the door.
However, what he did next would have shocked everyone.
After already being booked in the game, the Frenchman let the emotions get the better of him and took his shirt off when celebrating.
This left the referee no option other than to send him off, with this causing huge problems for Liverpool at the weekend.
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As per the rules, his sending off means he will be suspended for the Reds game against Crystal Palace at the weekend, something that was completely avoidable.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s Carabao Cup player ratings vs Southampton as debutants shine but £30m star fails to impress
Chris Sutton summed it up nicely, saying as per BBC Sport: “For Ekitike to get a second yellow card for that (taking his shirt off) is just sheer stupidity, and he’ll now miss the league game against Crystal Palace.
“He’s been such an important player for Liverpool so far this season, what a start to his Liverpool career, important goal this evening, but that’s not great for Arne Slot if he’s sitting out the game at the weekend.”
Alexander Isak scored his first goal for the club against the Saints, with the Swede having a decent game all in all.
He managed just a half, with Arne Slot trying his best to manage his minutes to ensure that he is match ready for the biggest games.
And whether it would have been the plan or not, Isak will now have to start against Palace due to Ekitike’s absence, with this the number nine’s chance to keep Ekitike out of the team.
It is far from ideal for Slot but as Liverpool keep doing, they find a way, and having Isak as his replacement is not exactly a downgrade.