# De Zerbi owns Tottenham's grim cup exit

> Liverpool ended Tottenham's League Cup run, leaving Roberto De Zerbi searching for a first real spark in a rough new season.
- Title: De Zerbi owns Tottenham's grim cup exit · Malay Mail
- Summary: Liverpool ended Tottenham's League Cup run, leaving Roberto De Zerbi searching for a first real spark in a rough new season. Tottenham have spent big and…
- Keywords: roberto de zerbi, tottenham, liverpool, league cup, anfield, alexis mac allister, cody gakpo, dominik szoboszlai, conor gallagher, aston villa, premier league, cup exit
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/09/16/de-zerbi-admits-tottenham-in-tough-moment-after-league-cup-exit/235339
- Published: 2026-09-16T08:46:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: roberto de zerbi, tottenham, liverpool, league cup, anfield, alexis mac allister, cody gakpo, dominik szoboszlai, conor gallagher, aston villa, premier league, cup exit
## A cup run ends
Tottenham lost 3-1 to Liverpool at a wet Anfield, ending a League Cup chance that could have eased the pressure after a poor league start.

> Tottenham are in a “tough moment”
## Liverpool hit first
Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai scored for Liverpool as Spurs were brushed aside by a weakened home side.
## Gallagher breaks through
Conor Gallagher pulled one back with Spurs already 2-0 down. It was Tottenham's first goal against top-flight opposition this season.
## League form bites
De Zerbi's team sit fourth from bottom after four Premier League matches, with two draws, two defeats and no league win yet.
## De Zerbi sees bad luck
The Spurs manager said his side must shoot more and finish better, but argued recent results against Newcastle, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool were harsh.

> we have to accept and to be stronger than this unlucky moment
## Only Charlton beaten
Tottenham's lone win this season came against second-tier Charlton in the League Cup, a thin return after two straight 17th-place league finishes.
## Big spending, little lift
Spurs spent more than £300 million on 10 new signings since last season. De Zerbi then made eight changes against Liverpool, and the gamble failed.
## Belief meets Villa
De Zerbi accepted responsibility and said Spurs must find a winning click when they host Aston Villa on Saturday.

> I believe in my players
## Key takeaway

Tottenham have spent big and changed fast, but De Zerbi needs wins soon to turn belief in the squad into proof.