:focal(939x432:941x430)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/12/18/4073999-82617628-2560-1440.jpg?ssl=1 "Liverpool narrowly beat Southampton to make ultimate 4")
Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott had been on the scoresheet as Liverpool edged into the EFL Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory at manager-less Southampton.
Arne Slot, who served a one-match touchline ban, named a makeshift beginning XI for this conflict at St Mary’s, however it made little distinction in the long run because the Merseysiders continued their push on all fronts.
Nunez opened the scoring on 24 minutes when he raced on to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s lengthy cross and fired in simply his fourth purpose of the season.
Elliott then doubled the lead heading into the interval when he marked his first begin of an injury-hit season along with his maiden purpose to shine off advantageous work by Cody Gakpo.
There have been probabilities at each ends in a keenly-fought finale, however The Saints couldn’t discover the equaliser to disclaim the holders progress to the final 4.
Subsequent up, struggling Southampton go to Fulham on Sunday, whereas Premier League leaders Liverpool journey to Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking Level – Liverpool’s second string too sturdy for Southampton
It sees Slot’s males attain a file twentieth League Cup semi-final, with the holders firmly in rivalry to retain the ultimate trophy received in the course of the Jurgen Klopp period.
It may but turn out to be the maiden piece of silverware of Slot’s tenure, though The Reds are prone to face more durable exams of their credentials than they did towards a Saints facet bereft of confidence and perception.
There was some late struggle from the house facet, however in reality, it seems relatively bleak for Southampton with a tall order awaiting whoever takes the helm within the days or even weeks forward.
Liverpool, in the meantime, march on throughout all competitions with fringe gamers gaining some essential minutes whereas the common starters got a well-earned relaxation.
Participant of the Match – Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
The playmaker marked a primary begin with what proved to be the successful purpose in a usually all-action show on the best after which as a part of the midfield three within the second half.
Participant scores
Southampton: McCarthy 7, Bree 6, Harwood-Bellis 7, Bednarek 7, Wooden 6, Manning 6, Downes 6, Fernandes 7, Aribo 6, Dibling 6, Archer 7. Subs: Sugawara 6, Sulemana 6, Onuachu 7, Brereton n/a, Lallana n/a.
Liverpool: Kelleher 8, Alexander-Arnold 8, Gomez 7, Quansah 7, Endo 8, Morton 7, Nyoni 6, Mac Allister 6, Elliott 8*, Gakpo 7, Nunez 6. Subs: Chiesa 5, Tsimikas 6, Jota 6, McConnell 6, Danns n/a.
Match Highlights
24’ – GOAL! – Southampton 0-1 Liverpool: (Nunez). The guests take the lead as Nunez costs clear by way of from TAA’s luxurious lengthy cross and fires a easy end past McCarthy.
32’ – GOAL! – Southampton 0-2 Liverpool: (Elliott). It is two! Elliott caps his first begin of the marketing campaign along with his first purpose as he coolly fires a low shot into the far nook after pretty work from Gakpo.
59’ – GOAL! – Southampton 1-2 Liverpool: (Archer). A really lucky ricochet off Endo permits Archer to chop in from the left and curl a advantageous end into the far nook.
62’ – SOUTHAMPTON CHANCES! Kelleher produces a surprising save to maintain out Archer’s close-range flick. The Saints come once more and Quansah makes an important, goal-saving block.
90+4’ – LATE SOUTHAMPTON APPEAL! Fernandes seems to be tumbled by Quansah as he raced by way of the center on to an extended kick from the keeper. The referee doesn’t award a free kick simply outdoors the world regardless of Southampton wanting a crimson card. Replays present Quansah’s arm was throughout his man and appeared to tug him down. There’s no VAR, nonetheless, so the referee’s choice stands.