The Reds march on despite Southampton’s spirited fightback

Liverpool are through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 win over Southampton on Wednesday night.

Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott hit the net in the first half for a much-changed Reds side without Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Cameron Archer pulled one back as Southampton, managed by interim boss Simon Rusk after sacking Russell Martin, tried to bounce back after the break.

But it was Arne Slott’s side who stepped up as they look to retain their Carabao Cup crown.

Up to @Carabao_Cup semi-final! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nzszAMwu7Z

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 18, 2024

Banned from the touchline after picking up his third yellow card of the season during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, Slott watched from the stands at St. Mary’s.

And the Liverpool boss would have been mostly satisfied with the early viewing, the Reds quickly asserting their dominance in possession.

Youngsters Tyler Morton and 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, who made their first starts for the seniors, saw plenty of the ball, but there was little penetration from the league’s leading players.

For Southampton, one of the more contentious issues of Martin’s reign this season has been his insistence on playing from the back.

That loud cheer echoed throughout the stadium every time the Saints cleared their lines was a pretty telling indicator of the fans’ feelings on the matter.

So there was a cruel irony in Liverpool’s opening goal after a long ball from deep.

Trent Alexander-Arnold provided an assist of sorts when Jan Bednarek missed his high pass into the path of Nunez.

Liverpool’s number nine took one touch before slotting past Alex McCarthy. Without VAR until the semi-finals, the goal stood and Nunez flew away in celebration.

Soon it was two, Elliott grabbing his first of the season when he finished a sharp pass down Liverpool’s left.

Harvey Elliott scores his first goal of the season! 💫 pic.twitter.com/OksUKPUySa

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024

For Southampton, who so often conceded the term quickly after falling behind, it was all painfully familiar.

Alexis Mac Allister then drew a smart save from McCarthy to prevent a third, but Liverpool were in complete control heading into the break.

Southampton came out in the second half with a bit 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

Suddenly it gave life to the hosts. Caoimhin Kelleher’s reflexes were sorely tested when Archer closed in again moments later.

A real tie seemed on the cards. With their tails up, Southampton looked far more lively.

They missed a few half chances without really testing Kelleher.

Jarell Quansah may have been lucky not to see red when he brought down Mateus Fernandes late on. In the end, Liverpool progressed, but they had to sweat for a victory that, judging by the first half, looked like an inevitability.

Southampton’s brave second-half display earned the crowd applause throughout. Signs, perhaps, that there is still a fight left on this side.