Liverpool marched into the final 4 of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday night.
Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott discovered the web within the first-half for a much-changed Reds facet with out each Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah.
Cameron Archer pulled one again as Southampton, stewarded by interim boss Simon Rusk after the sacking of Russell Martin, tried to mount a spirted comeback after the break.
However it was Arne Slot’s facet who progressed as they give the impression of being to retain their Carabao Cup crown.
By way of to the @Carabao_Cup semi-finals! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nzszAMwu7Z
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 18, 2024
On account of a touchline ban incurred after choosing up a 3rd yellow card of the season in the course of the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday, Slot watched on from up within the stands at St Mary’s.
And the Liverpool boss would have been largely content material with the early viewing, the Reds shortly asserting their dominance in possession.
Children Tyler Morton and 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, making his first senior begin, noticed loads of the ball, however there was little in the way in which of penetration from the league leaders.
For Southampton, one of many extra contentious problems with Martin’s reign this season had been the insistence on taking part in out from the again.
That loud cheers sounded all through the stadium each time the Saints cleared their strains was a reasonably telling indication of the followers’ feeling on the matter.
So there was one thing of a merciless irony about Liverpool’s opening aim coming after an extended ball from deep.
Trent Alexander-Arnold offered the assist-of-sorts when his lofted move was miss-kicked by Jan Bednarek into the trail of Nunez.
The Liverpool quantity 9 took one contact earlier than slotting previous Alex McCarthy. With no VAR till the semi-finals, the aim stood and Nunez wheeled away in celebration.
Earlier than lengthy it was two, Elliott grabbing his first of the season when he completed off an incisive passing transfer down Liverpool’s left.
Harvey Elliott will get his first aim of the season! 💫 pic.twitter.com/OksUKPUySa
— Sky Sports activities Soccer (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
For Southampton, who’ve so usually this time period conceded shortly after going behind, all of it felt painfully acquainted.
Alexis Mac Allister then drew a wise save from McCarthy to stop a 3rd however Liverpool have been in complete management going into the break.
Southampton got here out for the second-half with somewhat extra spark and have been rewarded for his or her efforts when Cameron Archer halved the deficit with a superb end simply earlier than the hour.
Cameron Archer, what a aim! 😍 pic.twitter.com/Z3gq5r9NUT
— Sky Sports activities Soccer (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
It all of a sudden gave the hosts life. Caoimhin Kelleher’s reflexes have been firmly put to the take a look at as Archer went shut once more moments later.
A correct cup tie seemed to be on the playing cards. With their tails up, Southampton regarded way more vigorous.
They scuppered a few half-chances with out ever actually testing Kelleher.
Jarell Quansah was maybe fortunate to not see crimson when he introduced down Mateus Fernandes late on. Ultimately, Liverpool progressed however have been made to sweat over a victory that, on first-half viewing, seemed to be an inevitability.
Southampton’s plucky second-half exhibiting earned applause from the gang at full-time. Indicators, maybe, that there’s nonetheless some combat left on this facet.
