Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak were both on target as Liverpool edged Southampton in the Carabao Cup, but after a pointed celebration, has head coach Arne Slot got a nice problem or a headache up front?

Liverpool fans have seen many strikers wear the red shirt at Anfield, from legends who scored for fun to youngsters who tried but never lived up to the hype. But right now the big story around the club is about two men who both want the same position, two men who both scored in the same match, two men who may end up fighting for the same crown. Their names are Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Arne Slot, the new Liverpool boss, finds himself caught between them. For some it looks like a beautiful problem to have, the kind of issue every coach dreams of, but for others it feels like a storm brewing that could bring trouble later in the season.

Everything came to light in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup third-round clash against Southampton. It was a tough night, but the Reds managed to win 2-1 and book their place in the next round. The story of the night, though, was not just the win. It was how both Isak and Ekitike made their mark. Isak opened the scoring, getting his very first Liverpool goal after his British-record £125 million move from Newcastle United. The crowd roared, his teammates surrounded him, and you could feel a sense of relief sweep through Anfield. This was why Liverpool paid the big money. They wanted a striker who could score in the biggest moments, and now he was off the mark.

But the night did not belong to him alone. At half-time, Slot replaced Isak with Hugo Ekitike. The French forward has been trying to prove himself since his arrival, and he did not waste his chance. He scored the winner that sealed the game, and he celebrated in a way that could not be ignored. He ripped off his shirt, held it up high for the crowd, as if to say, “I am here, remember my name.” The fans roared again, but the referee was not impressed. It was his second yellow card of the night, and it meant he was sent off. A moment of joy quickly turned into frustration.

Slot himself did not hide his anger. He called the celebration “stupid” and “needless.” Ekitike had scored the goal, yes, but he had also cost himself a chance to play in the Premier League at Crystal Palace on Saturday. For a coach trying to balance his squad, it was the last thing he needed. “You have to control your emotions,” Slot told Sky Sports. “And if you can’t, at least don’t do something that earns you a yellow card.”

So now Liverpool move forward without Ekitike available for their trip to face Palace, a team unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions. It is a huge challenge, and Slot would have loved to have all his strikers ready. Instead, he is forced to rely more heavily on Isak, a player still building his fitness after joining the club without a proper pre-season.

That is the other side of this story. Isak may be Liverpool’s record signing, but he is not yet ready to play 90 minutes every week. Slot admitted as much when the striker first arrived, explaining that Isak had spent months without proper team training. He had to be built up slowly, given minutes carefully, so that his body could handle the demands of the Premier League. He played 58 minutes against Atletico Madrid, then less in the derby against Everton, and another 45 against Southampton. Slot is watching him closely, trying not to push too far too soon.

But now, with Ekitike suspended, the pressure grows. Isak may have to play more than planned against Palace. Slot has a decision to make: risk the Swede’s fitness, or weaken his attack. These are the kinds of problems that keep managers awake at night.

Beyond that immediate headache, though, lies the bigger question. When both men are fit and available, who will be Liverpool’s main striker? Can they both play together, or will one have to sit on the bench? Slot has hinted that he is open to using both. He talked about a 4-4-2 system, with two number nines playing side by side, or moving Ekitike to the left when needed. He has options, and he may experiment. But in Liverpool’s traditional 4-3-3, there is usually only room for one true central striker. That is where the battle between Isak and Ekitike could become fierce.

Pundits have already had their say. Paul Merson warned that Isak’s arrival “causes problems” because all the forwards cannot play at once. Tim Sherwood suggested Ekitike’s wild celebration was a sign of pressure, a sign that he feels he must prove himself because of Isak’s presence. “He’s letting everyone know that I am here,” Sherwood said. “But he didn’t need to do that. The fans already know his name.”

Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend, has also weighed in. He thinks Slot may sometimes use both together, but more often Isak will be the number one, with Ekitike rotating or moving wide. Carragher knows how ruthless competition can be at the very top, and he believes that is how it will play out

Meanwhile, the numbers tell an interesting story. Ekitike already has five goals and an assist in just eight games for Liverpool. That is a strong start, and it shows he can deliver. Isak, on the other hand, has only just scored his first goal, but his record at Newcastle proves he can be deadly once he is fit. Last season, he averaged nearly seven touches in the opposition box per game, putting him among the best strikers in Europe. He also scored from distance, showing he can hurt teams in more ways than one.

And then, in the background of it all, there is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian King is now 33, still delivering goals and assists, but some worry that his overall influence is starting to fade. His touches in the box are down, his explosive power is not quite the same, and Liverpool have to think about the future. That is why they spent a combined £320 million on Isak, Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz this summer. They are preparing for the next era, building an attack that can carry the team when Salah is gone or past his peak.

Wirtz adds another layer of complexity. He has yet to score or assist properly for Liverpool, but he is a huge talent, and finding a place for him means Slot must adjust the midfield balance. Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Mac Allister form a strong trio, and Wirtz does not fit easily into that. But he cannot be ignored, and sooner or later he will want to be a starter.

So when you step back and look at the full picture, you see why this is both exciting and dangerous for Liverpool. On one hand, they have more attacking talent than ever before. Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo, Chiesa, even young Rio Ngumoha—this is a squad full of options. They will play 60-plus games this season if they go deep in all competitions, and they will need everyone. On the other hand, managing those egos, keeping everyone happy, and finding the right combinations will test Slot like nothing else.

For now, the fans are enjoying the show. They are debating on social media, arguing in pubs, writing on forums: who should start, Isak or Ekitike? Who deserves it more? Who will score more goals? And when Salah is mentioned, the debates get even louder. Some say Salah is still untouchable. Others say it is time to prepare for life without him.

Against Southampton, both Isak and Ekitike gave glimpses of what they can offer. Isak’s goal showed his composure and quality. Ekitike’s winner showed his hunger and confidence. But his red card also showed his immaturity, and that is where Slot’s words cut the deepest. Football is not just about talent. It is about discipline, control, and decision-making. If Ekitike learns that lesson quickly, he could become a star. If not, he may fall behind in the race.

Isak, meanwhile, is calm, quiet, and focused. He knows what is expected of him, and he is taking his time to reach full power. When he does, Liverpool could have one of the best strikers in the world. That is why the club paid £125 million. That is why the fans sing his name already. They believe in him.

As Liverpool prepare to face Crystal Palace, the story continues. Ekitike will watch from the stands, angry at himself, desperate for another chance. Isak will likely start, carrying the hopes of the fans, trying to show he is ready to lead the line. And Arne Slot, sitting on the bench, will be thinking ahead. Thinking about how to use both men, thinking about how to balance his squad, thinking about how to win every game in a season that promises drama at every turn.

For Liverpool, this is not just about two strikers. It is about the future of the club’s attack. It is about how to replace Salah when the time comes. It is about whether £320 million has been spent wisely. And it is about whether Arne Slot can manage all these stars without letting the dressing room crack under pressure. Some call it a nice problem. Some call it a looming issue. Time will give the answer. For now, all we know is that Liverpool’s season has just become even more fascinating.