Liverpool made it to the semis of the Carabao Cup after beating Southampton 2-1 at St Mary’s Park. The Reds took the lead early on as Nunez converted after a slip from the Saints’ goalkeeper. A returning Elliott made it 2-0 before Archer found one back for the hosts. Late drama was on the show as Southampton threatened to grab an equaliser but the Reds held onto their lead.
Liverpool rang the changes and experimented a lot with their lineup. Wataru Endo started at centre-back, highly rated teenager Trey Nyoni made his full debut and Quansah saw a rare start alongside Tyler Morton. Despite the changes, Southampton were not able to get at their opponents. Simon Rusk was the interim manager for the Saints as they sacked Russell Martin after a demoralising defeat to Spurs.
Liverpool’s strong start was repelled by the forces of nature. A heavy gust of wind and rain was influencing everything on the pitch as it carried the ball beyond the passers’ intended target and shot’s desired location. The players still got going in the difficult conditions too. Nunez was sent in on goal but Bednarek put a great tackle to put the breaks. Soon, Dibling could only tamely fire at Kelleher on a counter. There was no denying Nunez was in on goal after Bednarek deflected Trent’s long ball into his path and McCarthy slipped on the goal line. Elliott shortly made it 2-0 as he slammed Gakpo’s pass into the box with his right foot past the goalkeeper. Mac Allister thought he made it 3 but the Saints’ keeper denied him.
After a couple of halftime substitutions from Liverpool, Southampton started the second half with better purpose. Archer made it count as he scored a beautiful curler to half the deficit. The hosts had about 30 minutes to salvage the tie. Despite a couple of chances, the visitors took charge and closed out the game.
This win leaves Liverpool just two wins away from defending their title again and the Saints are ruing yet another missed opportunity for silverware. Their last major honour was almost 50 years ago in 1976 when they lifted the FA Cup. This also avenges Liverpool’s semi-final defeat to Southampton in the same competition seven years ago.
Southampton Player Ratings vs Liverpool
Goalkeeper
Alex McCarthy: 5.5/10- A slip at the crucial time allowed Nunez to pick his spot and finish past him with ease. Great save to prevent killing the contest in the first half.
Defenders
Taylor Harwood-Bellis: 6/10- A couple of crosses diverted and the wind did help him in doing his job.
Nathan Wood: 5.5/10- Was dragged out of position as Gakpo released Elliott and couldn’t close him down quickly enough.
Jan Bednarek: 5/10- Put a crunching tackle on Nunez to prevent the striker from getting a shot away. Unfortunate to present a kind deflection to Nunez shortly afterwards.
Midfielders
James Bree: 6/10- Started the game with a good tackle on Gakpo but that was the only occasion on which he was able to get near the Dutch winger.
Joe Aribo: 5.5/10- Southampton expected more from him especially on the ball as his physicality could’ve hurt Liverpool’s young midfield.
Flynn Downes: 6.5/10- Played a role in cutting many Liverpool attacks but ultimately was out of energy.
Mateus Fernandes: 6.5/10- The best player for the Saints as they were massively outplayed on the night. Kept asking questions of the Liverpool defence with smart running.
Ryan Manning: 6/10- Was unsure whom to mark as Liverpool had 3 different personnel on the right flank in short spells.
Attackers
Tyler Dibling: 6.5/10- Had a great opportunity to put the Saints ahead but hit it straight at Kelleher. Full of combat in a quest to create something.
Cameron Archer: 7/10- Tried to get past Quansah in the first half but in the second half he did it with aplomb. Cut past him onto his right foot before curling it past Kelleher. Should have made it 2-2 right after as well
Substitutes
Yukinari Sugawara: 6.5/10
Paul Onuachu: 6/10
Kamaldeen Sulemana: 6/10
Adam Lallana: N/A
Ben Brereton Diaz: N/A
Manager
Simon Rusk: 6/10- Standing in as their interim manager for the Saints, he couldn’t have asked for a harder task than this. Tried to rotate the team and also keep key starters on in the hope of getting some cup luck. His side had a brilliant second half and almost took Liverpool to the ropes.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Southampton
Goalkeeper
Caoimhin Kelleher: 7/10- Was barely tested in the first half except for Dibling’s poke when the scores were level. Stood no chance for Archer’s first goal but made a great save soon on to deny him the equaliser.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10- His chest puffed with pride as he wore the armband. Showed responsibility by creating chance after chance. Played the long ball for Nunez’s opener. Was protected with a substitution at halftime.
Jarell Quansah: 6/10- Had to be on his toes all night long against the pace of Archer. Was slow to close Archer down and was punished. Lucky to get away with a red card late in the game.
Wataru Endo: 7/10- Started the night as a centre-back and kept stepping into the midfield. Performed both duties to perfection before a deflection smacked him in the face to go to Archer.
Joe Gomez: 6/10- Often joined Gakpo on his forays forward and tried to get his first-ever senior goal. Legs saved at half-time as Tsimikas came on.
Midfielders
Alexis Mac Allister: 7.5/10- Enjoyed the freedom as the midfield positions were changing dynamically. Had his best bits when he was attacking the box.
Tyler Morton: 7/10- Handed a rare start, the youngster did well with the ball at his feet. Even defensively, he had the know-how on how to contain the opposition. He was shifted to right-back later on.
Harvey Elliott: 8/10- The pocket dynamo showed what Liverpool missed when he was injured. With nimble touches and clean ball striking Elliott announced his arrival this season under Slot.
Trey Nyoni: 7.5/10- The debutant saw a lot of time on the ball and impressed everyone with his ball-carrying and intelligent passing.
Cody Gakpo: 6.5/10- Didn’t give a moment’s peace to Bree on Liverpool’s left as he was always running up and down the pitch. Slipped Elliott in for Liverpool’s second.
Attackers
Darwin Nunez: 7/10- He was denied by a slide from Bednarek but a lucky deflection from Bednarek and a slip from McCarthy gave him a perfect chance to open the scoring. Was sloppy with his passing on the breaks.
Substitutes
Kostas Tsimikas: 6/10
Federico Chiesa: 7/10
Diogo Jota: 6/10
James McConnell: 6/10
Jayden Danns: N/A
Manager
Arne Slot: 8/10- The Dutchman was serving a touchline ban, but did incredibly well to get his message across. Despite the changes, his side didn’t give up their strong identity. Would’ve been really happy to see the youngsters do well despite a tough second half. A couple of wins away from a first trophy with the Reds already.
What round was Southampton vs Liverpool?
Southampton took on Liverpool in the Quarter-final of the EFL Cup on the 18th of December
Who was Southampton’s manager on the night?
Simon Rusk was the interim manager for the hosts in the quarter-final clash.
Who was the best player on the pitch in Southampton vs Liverpool?
Harvey Elliott was the best player on the pitch in Southampton vs Liverpool
Who was the worst player on the pitch in Southampton vs Liverpool?
Jan Bednarek was the worst player on the pitch in Southampton vs Liverpool