Slot’s Rotational Masterstroke
When Liverpool took the field at Anfield on September 23, 2025, the lineup looked nothing like the one that had featured in the club’s three fixtures over the preceding week. Dutch boss Arne Slot kept his word, swapping out eleven starters to give fringe players and academy graduates a chance on the big stage. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili earned his first competitive start, while Giovanni Leoni slotted into the back line alongside Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez and captain Andy Robertson.
Midfield was the real talking point. Slot ignored the usual hierarchy and handed the number‑10 shirt to 17‑year‑old Trey Nyoni, signalling a huge vote of confidence in the youngster’s potential. Alongside him were Wataru Endo, making his first start of the season, and Curtis Jones, providing a blend of youth, energy and experience.
Up front, Swedish striker Alexander Isak led the line, flanked by Federico Chiesa on the right and Rio Ngumoha on the left. The forward line promised speed and directness, a tactical shift meant to unsettle the visiting Championship side.
- Giorgi Mamardashvili – Goalkeeper debut
- Giovanni Leoni – Defender debut
- Trey Nyoni – Starting midfielder at 17
- Six regulars rested: Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, among others
Match Highlights and Aftermath
Southampton, under the stewardship of Will Still, arrived with a pragmatic setup: Alex McCarthy between the sticks and a lone striker in Cameron Archer. The first half leaned in Liverpool’s favour, and Isak broke the deadlock just before halftime, slotting home his inaugural goal for the club in the 43rd minute.
The second half saw Southampton push for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Shea Charles found the net, briefly silencing the Liverpool faithful. The game’s drama peaked in the 85th minute when substitute Hugo Ekitike, who had come on to add fresh impetus, struck the winner. The celebration was short‑lived, as Ekitike received a red card a minute later for a reckless challenge.
Beyond the scoreline, the fixture underscored Slot’s broader strategy: protect key players from fatigue while fostering a competitive environment for emerging talent. The decision to start Nyoni, in particular, sparked conversation about the club’s youth pipeline and could signal a faster track to regular first‑team minutes for other academy prospects.
For Southampton, the loss marked yet another chapter in a turbulent period: their fifth consecutive trip to Anfield under a different manager. The instability on the south coast continues to hinder consistency, leaving supporters hoping for a steadier hand in the weeks ahead.
Overall, the 2‑1 victory showcased Liverpool’s depth, the willingness of the coaching staff to gamble on youth, and set the tone for the remainder of the Carabao Cup campaign.