Tottenham Hotspur produced a dominant 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic to advance in the League Cup, with the result setting up a third-round tie against Liverpool. The win showed the squad's depth as manager Ange Postecoglou rotated options, with multiple goalscorers contributing to the comfortable margin. The performance will give the north London side confidence heading into a key Premier League clash.
Where Liverpool await in the draw
The League Cup third-round draw paired Tottenham with Liverpool, confirming an away fixture for the north Londoners. Liverpool, the reigning League Cup holders, will travel to face the team that eliminated Charlton, creating a tie steeped in north London rivalry implications. The tie will be played in the weeks starting September 7 and 14, offering both sides a chance to stake early claim in a competition Liverpool recently dominated.
Premier League context and league standing
Away from cup action, Tottenham find themselves rooted in the lower half of the table. The team sits 18th in the Premier League with 0 points from 1 game, a goal difference of -3 after conceding 3 and scoring 0. They are 3 points behind league leaders Brighton, who have started their campaign with maximum points. The next fixture arrives on August 29, 2026, when Tottenham host Newcastle at home looking to arrest a disappointing start to the top-flight season.
Fleetwood and the fourth-tier survivors
The League Cup third round also confirmed Fleetwood Town as the sole fourth-tier side remaining in the competition. Fleetwood will host Sheffield United in a tie that pits League One promotion ambitions against Premier League experience. The result means the non-league giant-killing dream continues for the League Two side, while the Championship side looks to progress further.
Newcastle's own cup victory
Newcastle United secured their own League Cup third-round spot with a 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion. The Magpies, who lifted the competition in 2025, will host Brighton & Hove Albion in the next round. The victory keeps Newcastle's cup defence alive as they look to retain the trophy they won last season.
What the draw means for the north Londoners
With Arsenal crowned Premier League champions and the League Cup holders set for another tilt, Tottenham's draw against Liverpool represents a significant test early in the season. The tie will be played away from home, testing Postecoglou's side against a side accustomed to winning silverware. Fans will hope the confidence from the Charlton win can carry over when the Reds visit the capital in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
The League Cup third-round draw has set up a fascinating tie between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, with the north Londoners facing an away fixture against the reigning holders.
