The save that stopped the rot

Liverpool were cruising. Then, suddenly, they weren't. With the score at 2-1 and Tottenham Hotspur sniffing a route back into the match, a deflected Omar Marmoush drive from close range looked destined to level things up at Anfield. Giorgi Mamardashvili had other ideas. The Georgian flung out an arm and beat the ball away in a moment that, even by his own admission, was difficult to fully process.

"I've just seen the save on television and it was really crazy. It was a good save," he said afterwards. "It was crazy but a good game. I enjoyed it. I am happy to make these saves because I helped the team." There is something refreshing about a goalkeeper who watches his own heroics back on telly and reacts with the same mixture of disbelief and delight as the supporters in the stands.

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and substitute Dominik Szoboszlai had done the damage in the 3-1 home victory, but there was a nervous stretch after Conor Gallagher headed in from a Mateus Fernandes corner on 69 minutes. Mamardashvili also suggested he may have been impeded in the build-up to that goal. "Especially in England, it's a little bit difficult at corners," he said. "I think someone caught my hand. I haven't seen it yet but I think it was a foul, I'm not sure." Whether it was or it wasn't, the point is that Liverpool held on, and his earlier intervention was a significant reason why.

Hungry for game time and making his case

Mamardashvili was one of ten changes made by head coach Andoni Iraola for the tie, and the message from the goalkeeper was unmistakeable: he wants this to be the start of something, not a one-off cameo. "I've not had many opportunities to play this season so I wanted to enjoy today and I did," he said. "Let's see what happens next."

The Carabao Cup has always served as a stage for squad players to press their claims, and Mamardashvili is clearly aware of that. "We are into the next round so hopefully there are more opportunities," he added. "My goal coming into the season was to play games and when you are in a squad like this, it's going to be difficult. So this competition always offers the chance for a manager to change." That is not a player settling for the bench. That is a player with a plan.

He also had kind words for the manager who showed faith in him on the night. "I was in a bit of doubt as we had really strong opposition, but it's really good of the manager to show faith in me and some of the other lads. Hopefully we can get another opportunity." Given the quality of that save, it would be a surprise if Iraola needed much convincing.

McConnell adds another subplot to an encouraging evening

Mamardashvili was not the only talking point from a busy night at Anfield. James McConnell made his first Liverpool start since February 2025, deployed in the number ten role with Florian Wirtz watching on from the stands. It was a different position to the more defensive midfield berth McConnell has typically occupied, and he was honest about the adjustment required.

"I like playing there. It's where I came up when I was younger. It's obviously a bit different because I haven't played there for a while but it was enjoyable," he said. "The press is really simple in that position, you just have to go. I like receiving the ball in the pockets and driving so there's a lot more to come because it's tough when it's your first game in a long time." That last line is the one to hold onto. A player reminding you there is more in the tank is exactly the attitude a squad rotation night should produce.

With another Carabao Cup round now secured, both Mamardashvili and McConnell will be hoping the competition keeps giving them chances to build momentum. If Tuesday night is anything to go by, Liverpool's depth looks rather healthier than some might have feared.