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Liverpool can't take Mac Allister and Gakpo for granted -- they're still match-winners

Alexis Mac Allister orchestrated a 3-1 triumph for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur to advance to the Carabao Cup fourth round, supplying both a goal and an assist. The 27-year-old midfielder, who recently expressed sorrow over not receiving an extension while peers Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch inked new terms, followed up his decisive midweek European strike versus Atletico Madrid with another standout performance.

Guiding a youthful central unit alongside Trey Nyoni and James McConnell after Szoboszlai and Gravenberch were benched following a scoreless draw with Fulham, Mac Allister converted an effort created by Rio Ngumoha before setting up Cody Gakpo's second-half curling finish beyond goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka.

Gakpo, who stayed on Merseyside after potential summer departures to Tottenham and collapsed when replacements could not be secured, has drawn praise from manager Andoni Iraola for his conduct. After curling home his strike, the Dutch attacker capped his evening by setting up Szoboszlai, who came on as a substitute to blast a 30-yard effort into the net during stoppage time.