Dominik Szoboszlai's long-range goal in stoppage time secured Liverpool's place in the Carabao Cup fourth round after Tottenham Hotspur had threatened to overturn a two-goal deficit at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scored either side of half-time to give Liverpool control of the tie. Conor Gallagher's header brought Spurs back into it, and Giorgi Mamardashvili had to make a crucial late save before Szoboszlai made the final score 3–1.
Andoni Iraola had changed ten players from the side held by Fulham three days earlier. Ronald Araújo was the only starter retained, with Joe Gomez returning from injury to captain the team. Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas all started as Liverpool sought a more energetic performance.
Tottenham also rotated, making eight changes from their league draw with Everton. Martin Dúbravka made his debut in goal, while Tosin Adarabioyo made his first start. Their early attacking play showed that the changes had not reduced the threat to Liverpool.
Lucas Bergvall had a clear chance in the 11th minute when Destiny Udogie's low cross found him unmarked close to goal. Mamardashvili blocked with his leg, keeping Liverpool level. At the other end, Dúbravka came out to deny Koumas after Ngumoha sent the forward through.
Mac Allister broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. Ngumoha attacked Udogie on the right of the penalty area and the ball came back towards the midfielder, who met it with a first-time strike into the top corner. Liverpool had turned an open start into a lead without eliminating Tottenham's chances.
Mohammed Kudus volleyed over from another Udogie delivery, wasting a good opportunity to equalise before the interval. Koumas continued to threaten for Liverpool, including a cutback that reached Mac Allister at close range without the midfielder being able to control it.
Jérémy Jacquet replaced Gomez at half-time. Iraola later explained that the returning captain had not been expected to play much more than 45 minutes, so the change reflected the plan for his recovery.
Liverpool doubled their lead in the 54th minute with a passing move involving Ngumoha, Milos Kerkez and Mac Allister. The final pass reached Gakpo inside the left of the area. He moved onto his right foot and drove the ball across Dúbravka into the far corner.
Andy Robertson then came on for Tottenham to a warm reception from his former supporters, alongside Mateus Fernandes. Liverpool also changed their midfield after the hour, introducing Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch for McConnell and Nyoni.
The tie was not finished. Mamardashvili saved from Kudus and Kerkez intervened to deny Omar Marmoush a shooting opportunity. Gallagher then headed in from a corner in the 69th minute, reducing the deficit and giving Spurs renewed encouragement.
Liverpool could have restored their two-goal lead when Mac Allister found Szoboszlai, but Dúbravka saved. The more decisive intervention came at the other end in the 86th minute. Marmoush's deflected shot looked capable of bringing Tottenham level until Mamardashvili adjusted and turned it away with one hand.
Alexander Isak, on for Koumas, had an attempt blocked, while Savio shot wide for Spurs. Szoboszlai finally settled the contest in the first minute of added time, controlling a bouncing ball outside the area and driving a powerful shot beyond Dúbravka into the top corner.
Iraola said the changes had supplied the fresh legs Liverpool needed. He singled out the young players' willingness to compete and praised Koumas's influence on the intensity of those around him. The forward's work had helped set the tone; Mamardashvili's saves and the quality of Liverpool's finishing ensured that the performance brought a place in the next round.