AFP, LIVERPOOL, England

Roberto De Zerbi on Tuesday admitted that Tottenham Hotspur are in a “tough moment” as he apologized for their League Cup exit in a dismal 3-1 defeat against Liverpool.

After a woeful start to the Premier League season, Tottenham’s hopes of a morale-boosting cup run came to a dispiriting end at rain-lashed Anfield. They were swatted aside by Liverpool, with Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai scoring for the Reds.

Conor Gallagher’s reply, which came with Tottenham trailing 2-0, was their first goal against top-flight opponents this term.

Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, left, scores their third goal in their third-round League Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Tuesday.

Photo: Reuters

De Zerbi’s fourth-bottom team are without a win in their first four league matches, losing twice and drawing twice.

De Zerbi claimed Tottenham have been unlucky this season.

“We have to shoot more times, we have to shoot better, but we are sorry for the result, disappointed, frustrated for the result,” he said.

“I think, unfair, but we have to accept and to be stronger than this unlucky moment,” he said. “I’m honest with myself and I’m honest with you. I think in these five, six games, we have been for sure not lucky with Newcastle, with Everton, even with Nottingham and tonight as well.”

Tottenham’s only win this season has come in the League Cup against second-tier Charlton Athletic.

After successive 17th place finishes — including avoiding relegation on the final day of last season — the north London club spent more than ￡300 million (US$404 million) on 10 new signings since the end of last term.

Making eight changes from last weekend’s draw with Everton was a gamble that backfired for De Zerbi as his side were beaten by an understrength Liverpool line-up.

Former Marseille boss De Zerbi, whose appointment late last season saved Tottenham from relegation, is convinced they are still on the right path.

“We have to understand if we are in the right way or not,” he said. “I think watching the game, the last three games, four games, maybe until minute 60 with Newcastle, I think we are in the right way.”

At Portman Road, teenage star Max Dowman dazzled for Arsenal in their 4-2 rout of Ipswich Town.

Arsenal, who lost the League Cup final against Manchester City last season, have won their six games in all competitions this term.

Meanwhile, Fulham made nine changes, but still won 3-2 at Championship leaders West Ham United, with goals from Rodrigo Muniz, Cesar Palacios and Oscar Bobb, who bagged the 78th minute winner.

Brentford won 2-1 at third tier Reading thanks to goals from Callum Wilson and Fabio Carvalho.