EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLIVERPOOL, England -- Midway through the first half of Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Anfield launched into a forgotten refrain. The Kop's serenade for midfielder Alexis Mac Allister -- a favorite during the Reds' Premier League title-winning campaign in 2024-25 -- was rarely deployed last term as the Argentina international's form dipped alarmingly.However, after Mac Allister both scored and assisted to help the Reds' book their passage to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, it was only fair that the Liverpool supporters took the chance to revere him for another accomplished display. Certainly, the 27-year-old's mini-renaissance could not have been more timely.After a summer filled with speculation over his future, Mac Allister last week confirmed he had been given opportunities to leave Anfield and expressed his disappointment at not being offered a new contract by the club."I received the news that the club was not in a position to offer me a new contract, which of course makes me very sad," he said in a news conference ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid."I see Dominik [Szoboszlai] and Ryan [Gravenberch] renewing their contracts, which makes me very happy because they deserve it, but at the same time it makes me sad that I didn't get mine."The following evening, Mac Allister did his talking on the pitch by netting a stunning winner against Atletico. Less than a week on, he scored a similarly brilliant goal against Spurs, lifting the ball into the roof of the net after some good work from Rio Ngumoha.With both Szoboszlai and Gravenberch having been dropped to the bench following their lackluster showings in the 0-0 draw with Fulham at the weekend, Mac Allister was charged with leading an untested midfield consisting of youngsters Trey Nyoni and James McConnell.The trio performed admirably, showing an assuredness that has at times been lacking from Liverpool's engine room this term. Mac Allister then added further gloss to his performance when he assisted Cody Gakpo in the second half, the Dutchman bending a glorious strike past Martin Dbravka in the Tottenham goal.Like Mac Allister, Gakpo was much maligned last season as his performances stagnated under Arne Slot. For much of the summer transfer window, he looked primed for an exit as both Spurs and Manchester City made attempts to sign him before Liverpool's failure to find a replacement thwarted his chances of a move.Gakpo's professionalism during and after the saga has been repeatedly noted by head coach Andoni Iraola and, as with Mac Allister, he seems revitalized by the change in the dugout. The forward even notched an assist in stoppage time, although admittedly, that owed more to the individual brilliance of substitute Dominik Szoboszlai, whose blistering strike from 30 yards took the roof off of Anfield.Having been by some distance Liverpool's standout performer last term, the Hungary international has struggled at times in Iraola's new midfield system. His ball striking ability, though, remains peerless, and it once again proved central in getting Liverpool over the line on Tuesday night."The three goals we scored were very good goals," Iraola said in his postmatch news conference. "The origin of the first and second goals are also very important for us but the third goal is a worldie, it is outstanding. The thing with Dom is that before shooting, you are trusting he might score. With another player you are thinking it's maybe too far but with Dom everyone is thinking he might score."It was not quite a perfect night for Liverpool, who allowed Tottenham to score their first goal since Aug. 26 when Conor Gallagher nodded home from a corner in the second half. Before that, Spurs had plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net, with Lucas Bergvall forcing an early save from Giorgi Mamardashvili and Spurs attacker Mohammed Kudus blazing an effort over the bar from close range.However, there were positives for Iraola to take as he works to implement his high-octane style at Anfield. Nyoni and McConnell impressed in midfield, while academy product Lewis Koumas delivered a relentless performance up front.There were much improved showings from fullbacks Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong and, although he could have done better for the Tottenham goal, Mamardashvili was otherwise excellent, pulling off a remarkable save to deny Omar Marmoush in the second half."I am happy because all the players have given us intensity and aggressiveness," Iraola said. "I think we have been good during lots of parts of the game. And also happy because we deserved to win the game and earned the right to be in the next round."Arguably the biggest positive, though, is Mac Allister's continued resurgence. As the players completed their full-time lap of honor, the camera homed in on a smiling Szoboszlai -- only for the Hungarian to gesture to the Argentina international instead.It seems even he is aware of the importance of his midfield partner. If Mac Allister continues like this, he might not be lamenting Liverpool's lack of a contract offer for too much longer.
