Southampton manager reveals how Liverpool star PREDICTED his hero to zero moment in League Cup win

Last Updated on 24 September 2025

Alexander Isak scored his first goal in a Liverpool shirt against Southampton in the third round of the League Cup.

Arne Slot decided to take Isak off at half-time as he continues his return to match fitness, replacing the Swede with Hugo Ekitike.

Southampton got a well-deserved equalizer after a decent performance at Anfield, with a lovely finish from Shea Charles. But their celebrations were short-lived.

Hugo Ekitike restored Liverpool’s lead in the 85th minute after a superb play by Federico Chiesa, maintaining his side’s fashion of late winners.

Will Still lifts the lid on how Hugo Ekitike eerily predicted the second half before the game

During his time with Reims, Hugo Ekitike spent some time working with Will Still, the new Southampton manager.

The two went head-to-head as Southampton arrived at Anfield for the third round of the League Cup and exchanged messages before the game.

Talking to reporters after the game Still explained how Ekitike’s prediction came true, “He said he’d come on and score and then give me his shirt and bugger off.” Before adding, “Which is exactly what he’s done!”

Ekitike came under a lot of criticism from analysts, fans and his own manager for a moment he’d definitely want to forget.

Having come on at half-time, the French striker got an early booking for dissent and booting the ball away.

Then, after he scored the winner, Ekitike ran off to celebrate, taking off his shirt and getting sent off with five minutes still left on the clock.

Arne Slot was also fuming with his £69m signing, who will miss Liverpool’s trip to unbeaten Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Hugo Ekitike’s brain fade moment hands striker rival, Alexander Isak, a clear advantage

Liverpool displayed their full strength of attacking options with both of their blockbuster signing scoring in each half against Southampton.

Alexander Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool after great work from Federico Chiesa to give the Reds the lead in the first half. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike was also on the scoresheet, benefiting from a brilliant Chiesa moment to score a late winner.

However, Ekitike’s moment of madness will see him suspended for Liverpool’s trip to Selhurst Park. That means the Frenchman has given Isak a great chance to lay his claim on a starting spot.

Coming into the Southampton game, Isak was still working his way back to full fitness. Ekitike, on the other hand, had enjoyed a great start to life and was setting the pace in this rivalry.

What happens, though, if Isak gets a brace or a hat-trick against Palace now? With competition for places at an all-time high, Ekitike will hope that red card doesn’t cost him too much. Meanwhile, Isak will look to cement his place in the starting XI.

He could play longer than he has so far, and if Isak comes up with a goal or two, Ekitike will be secretly kicking himself. Liverpool and Palace will go head-to-head as the only unbeaten sides in the Premier League, when they meet on Saturday.