Liverpool advanced to the last four of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 win over Southampton on Wednesday night.
Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott found the net in the first half for a much-changed Reds side without Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah.
Cameron Archer pulled one back as Southampton under interim boss Simon Rusk after Russell Martin was sacked, tried to make a strong comeback after the break.
But it was Arne Slot’s side who advanced as they look to retain their Carabao Cup crown.
through it @Carabao_Cup semi finals! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nzszAMwu7Z
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 18, 2024
Due to a touchline ban imposed for picking up his third yellow card of the campaign during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, Slot watched from above in the stands at St Mary’s.
And the Liverpool boss would have been largely satisfied with the early viewing as the Reds quickly asserted their dominance in possession.
Youngsters Tyler Morton and 17-year-old Trey Nioni, making his first senior start, saw plenty of the ball but there was no way the league leaders could penetrate.
For Southampton, one of the most contentious issues of Martin’s reign this season has been his insistence on playing from the back.
That loud cheers could be heard throughout the stadium every time the Saints cleared their lines was a rather telling indication of the fans’ feelings on the matter.
So there was something of a cruel irony about Liverpool’s opening goal coming after a long ball from deep.
Trent Alexander-Arnold provided the assist when his pass was deflected by Jan Bednarek into the path of Nunez.
The Liverpool number nine took a touch before slotting past Alex McCarthy. With no VAR until the semi-finals, the goal stood and Nunez left in celebration.
Shortly after two, Elliott grabbed his first of the season when he finished off a stunning move down the Liverpool left.
Harvey Elliott scored his first goal of the season! 💫 pic.twitter.com/OksUKPUySa
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
For Southampton, who so often conceded that term quickly after falling behind, it was all painfully familiar.
Alexis Mac Allister then made a smart save from McCarthy to prevent a third, but Liverpool were in complete control after the break.
Southampton came out in the second half with a little more spark and were rewarded for their efforts when Cameron Archer halved the deficit with a brilliant finish just before the hour mark.
Cameron Archer, what a goal! 😍 pic.twitter.com/Z3gq5r9NUT
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024
It suddenly brought life to the hosts. Caoimhin Kelleher’s reflexes were firmly tested as Archer went close again minutes later.
A proper draw looked to be on the cards. With their tails up, the home side looked much livelier.
They missed a couple of half chances but failed to really test Kelleher.
Substitute Federico Chiesa was then twice saved in front of the visitors’ goal, while the Saints had the penalty saved.
In the end, Liverpool were made to sweat for a victory that, in the first half, seemed inevitable.
Southampton’s commanding second half won the applause at the end. Signs, perhaps, that there is still a fight on this side.
