Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, 3rd left, celebrates after scoring his side's fifth goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
Liverpool kicked off their Carabao Cup title defence in thrilling fashion, overturning an early deficit to thrash West Ham 5-1 at Anfield. The visitors briefly stunned the holders with an own goal from Jarell Quansah, but Diogo Jota swiftly equalized, heading in Federico Chiesa's clever assist on his full Liverpool debut. Jota struck again in the second half, finishing coolly after Curtis Jones's precise pass. Substitute Mohamed Salah soon made it 3-1, capitalizing on Lukasz Fabianski's save from Alexis Mac Allister. West Ham's woes deepened as Edson Alvarez received his second yellow card, reducing the Hammers to 10 men. Cody Gakpo sealed the rout with two late goals, condemning West Ham to their second consecutive Carabao Cup exit at Liverpool's hands. The Reds' comeback victory showcased their attacking flair and depth, setting the tone for their title defence.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, 3rd left, celebrates after scoring his side's fifth goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, left, celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
West Ham's Lucas Paqueta controls the ball next to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, right, during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
Liverpool's Jarell Quansah,right, fouls West Ham's Michail Antonio and gets a yellow card for it during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
Liverpool's Wataru Endo runs with the ball during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa runs with the ball during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
West Ham's Aaron Cresswell crosses the ball during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas attempts a shot at goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.
West Ham players celebrate after scoring the opening goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England.