Liverpool come through epic shootout to beat Middlesbrough

Liverpool's Suso scores the final penalty of the penalty shootout against Middlesbrough in their League Cup soccer match at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England September 23, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

RECORD BREAKERS

Liverpool had gone ahead through debutant Jordan Rossiter after 10 minutes but a familiar failing appeared as Adam Reach was allowed to head home unchallenged midway through the second half.

Spaniard Suso looked like he had given Liverpool victory with a low strike late in extra time, but the hosts imploded with seconds remaining as Kolo Toure conceded a penalty after a terrible backpass from Raheem Sterling. Patrick Bamford slotted home.

Sterling and Bamford were the only players to miss in the shootout, which comfortably surpassed the previous highest score record of 9-8, until Adomah fired off target.

"It was very important to get a result and the players are very happy in the changing room. We're in the hat and that's all we want," said a relieved Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Middlesbrough's Spanish coach Aitor Karanka managed to strike an upbeat tone despite coming so close to causing a major upset. "I told the players... I don't have the words to tell them thank you because they were brilliant."

Clyne's wonder goal five minutes before halftime completed a superb comeback for Southampton, who fell behind to an Alexis Sanchez free kick before levelling with a Dusan Tadic penalty.

Southampton, second in the Premier League, have enjoyed a superb start to the campaign after selling several of their most valuable players in the close season and rebuilding under new manager Ronald Koeman.

Elsewhere, third tier MK Dons, who thrashed Manchester United in the last round, won 2-0 at home to Bradford City, fourth tier Shrewsbury Town won 1-0 at home to Norwich City two divisions above them and Fulham beat Doncaster Rovers 2-1.

Second tier Bournemouth won 3-0 at Cardiff City, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, Derby County beat Reading 2-0 and Sheffield United edged past Leyton Orient 1-0.