Reds push ahead despite Southampton’s spirited comeback

Liverpool advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals 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 team without Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Cameron Archer pulled one back as Southampton, led by interim boss Simon Rusk after the dismissal of Russell Martin, They tried to mount a spirited comeback after the break.

But it was Arne Slot’s side that progressed as they look to retain their Carabao Cup crown.

Until the @Carabao_Cup semi-finals! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nzszAMwu7Z

—Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 18, 2024

Due to a touchline penalty after receiving a third yellow card of the season during the 2-2 draw against Fulham on Saturday, Slot watched from the St Mary’s stands.

And the Liverpool manager would have been very pleased with the initial display, as the Reds quickly asserted their dominance in possession.

Youngsters Tyler Morton and 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, making their first starts, saw plenty of the ball, but there was little penetration from the league leaders.

For Southampton, one of the most contentious issues of Martin’s reign this season was the insistence on playing from the back.

The loud applause that rang throughout the stadium every time the Saints cleared their lines was a pretty telling indication of the fans’ feeling on the matter.

So there was some cruel irony in the fact that Liverpool’s first goal came after a long ball from deep.

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

Liverpool’s number nine took a touch before slotting past Alex McCarthy. Without VAR until the semi-finals, the goal stood and Núñez walked away to celebrate.

Soon it was two o’clock, Elliott got his first of the season when he finished off an incisive pass down the Liverpool left.

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

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

For Southampton, who have so often conceded this term quickly after falling behind, it all felt painfully familiar.

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

Southampton came out into 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

It suddenly brought life to the hosts. Caoimhin Kelleher’s reflexes were firmly tested when Archer approached again moments later.

A proper top tie seemed to be on the cards. With their tails up, Southampton looked much more lively.

They blew a couple of half chances without even testing Kelleher.

Jarell Quansah was perhaps lucky not to see red when he brought down Mateus Fernandes later on. In the end, Liverpool progressed, but had to sweat for a victory that, looking at the first half, seemed inevitable.

Southampton’s brave performance in the second half earned full-time applause from the crowd. Signs, perhaps, that there is still some fight left on this side.