Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has explained why Joe Gomez was taken off at half-time during Liverpool’s 3–1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Gomez made his first appearance of the season after recovering from a muscle injury that had kept him out since pre-season. He started the match and captained Liverpool, but was replaced by Jeremy Jacquet at the interval.
Iraola confirmed that the substitution was planned and part of Gomez’s recovery management, rather than a fresh injury setback. The manager said the intention was for Gomez to play around 45 minutes because he had only recently returned to full team training.
The 29-year-old put in a steady performance during his 45 minutes, recording four clearances, two blocks and an interception as Liverpool kept Tottenham under pressure.
Liverpool eventually secured a 3–1 victory. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage. Tottenham pulled one back through Conor Gallagher, but Dominik Szoboszlai sealed Liverpool’s progression with a spectacular long-range strike in stoppage time.
The victory sends Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, while Gomez’s return gives Iraola another defensive option ahead of a busy period.
